hiss

¹

[his]

verb (used without object)

1. to make or emit a sharp sound like that of the letter s prolonged, as a snake does, or as steam does when forced under pressure through a small opening.

2. to express disapproval or contempt by making this sound.

   The audience hissed when the actor forgot his lines.

   Synonyms: heckle, razz, boo

verb (used with object)

1. to express disapproval of by hissing.

   The audience hissed the controversial play.

2. to silence or drive away by hissing (usually followed by away, down, etc.).

   They hissed down the author when he tried to speak.

   Synonyms: heckle, razz, boo

3. to utter with a hiss.

noun

1. a hissing sound, especially one made in disapproval.

Hiss

²

[his]

noun

1. Alger, 1904–96, U.S. public official, accused of espionage 1948 and imprisoned for perjury 1950–54.

hiss

¹

/ hɪs /

noun

1. a voiceless fricative sound like that of a prolonged s

2. such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc, esp by an audience or crowd

3. electronics receiver noise with a continuous spectrum, caused by thermal agitation, shot noise, etc

interjection

1. an exclamation of derision or disapproval

verb

1. (intr) to produce or utter a hiss

2. (tr) to express with a hiss, usually to indicate derision or anger

3. (tr) to show derision or anger towards (a speaker, performer, etc) by hissing

Hiss

²

/ hɪs /

noun

1. Alger. 1904–96, US government official: imprisoned (1950–54) for perjury in connection with alleged espionage activities

Other Word Forms

• hisser noun
• hissingly adverb
• outhiss verb (used with object)
• unhissed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hiss¹

1350–1400; Middle English hissen; probably imitative; compare Old English hyscan to jeer at, rail (derivative of husc jeering; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German hosc )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hiss¹

C14: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Pugh said he heard hissing before the explosion and then a roaring sound similar to a freight train that lasted for about 30 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

The signs inform hikers that the shelter at the summit won’t protect them and advises them to descend “immediately” if they see dark clouds or hear “hissing in the air.”

From Los Angeles Times

And, of course, “Brown food tastes good” reminded you that color signals flavor, that the hiss and smell of fond in a pan promised richness waiting to be coaxed into a sauce.

From Salon

The fat hissed in greeting, and within seconds the kitchen was filled with oregano’s scent.

From Salon

Even as broadband replaced the hiss of a modem, dial-up lingered, especially in rural communities where high-speed internet still hasn’t reached.

From Salon

Related Words

• boo 
• hoot 
• jeer 
• seethe 
• shout down 
• spit 
• wheeze 
• whirr www.thesaurus.com
• whisper 
• whistle