hiss

¹ American  

[his] / hɪs /

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

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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 American  

[his] / hɪs /

noun

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

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hiss ¹ British  

/ 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

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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 British  

/ hɪs /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of hiss

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 )

Example Sentences

“You have a lot of nerve criticizing my lack of ambition when my flexibility is the only reason the kids have rides to their activities and dinner on their plates every night,” she hissed.

From Literature

‘You have no idea how important this bicycle is,’ she hissed.

From Literature

“I need that letter back,” I hissed in his ear, just loud enough for him to hear me.

From Literature

But when Burr began insulting those who believed in the spirits of the dead, the audience hissed their disapproval.

From Literature

He hissed, and he pecked, and he honked.

From Literature

Related Words

• boo
• hoot
• jeer
• seethe
• shout down
• spit
• wheeze
• whirr
• whisper
• whistle