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, adjectiveWords nearby hiss
hispano-,
hispanophile,
hispanophobe,
hispid,
hispidulous,
hiss,
hiss, alger,
hissarlik,
hisself,
hissing,
hissy
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, nounWord 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