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

“Be quiet,” I hiss back, fire practically shooting out of my eyes.

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The twins snickered, but their mother silenced them with a hiss.

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As if in answer, a horrible hissing sound issued from the hall.

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At the sound, Bertha spread her flightless wings into a threatening arch and emitted a long, furious hiss.

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He imagined the hiss and pop of their burning logs gladdening “many a humble fireside.”

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Related Words

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