hiss

[ his ]
/ hɪs /

verb (used without object)

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.
to express disapproval or contempt by making this sound: The audience hissed when the actor forgot his lines.

verb (used with object)

to express disapproval of by hissing: The audience hissed the controversial play.
to silence or drive away by hissing (usually followed by away, down, etc.): They hissed down the author when he tried to speak.
to utter with a hiss.

noun

a hissing sound, especially one made in disapproval.

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)

OTHER WORDS FROM hiss

hiss·er, noun hiss·ing·ly, adverb out·hiss, verb (used with object) un·hissed, adjective

Definition for hiss (2 of 2)

Hiss
[ his ]
/ hɪs /

noun

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

Example sentences from the Web for hiss

British Dictionary definitions for hiss (1 of 2)

hiss
/ (hɪs) /

noun

a voiceless fricative sound like that of a prolonged s
such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc, esp by an audience or crowd
electronics receiver noise with a continuous spectrum, caused by thermal agitation, shot noise, etc

interjection

an exclamation of derision or disapproval

verb

Derived forms of hiss

hisser, noun

Word Origin for hiss

C14: of imitative origin

British Dictionary definitions for hiss (2 of 2)

Hiss
/ (hɪs) /

noun

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