hiss

Noun · Verb
US[his]/hɪs/1 syllable
Synonyms: hissinghushingfizzlesibilationboohootBronx cheerraspberryrazzingrazzsnortbird

Open English WordNet

Verb (4)hisses, hissed, hissing

  1. make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapprovalSynonyms: sisssizzsibilateMore general utter, emit
  2. move with a whooshing soundSynonyms: whooshMore general travel, go
  3. express or utter with a hissSynonyms: sizzsisssibilateMore general talk, speak
  4. show displeasure, as after a performance or speechSynonyms: booMore general condemn

Noun (2)hisses

  1. a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)“the performers could not be heard over the hissing of the audience”Synonyms: hissinghushingfizzlesibilationType of noise
  2. a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contemptSynonyms: boohootBronx cheerraspberryrazzingrazzsnortbirdType of cry, outcry

Related words hissing noun, hisser noun, hushing noun

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Hiss (hĭs). intransitive verb [past tense & past participle Hissed (hĭst); present participle & verbal noun Hissing.]

Origin: AS. hysian; prob. of imitative origin; cf. LG. hissen, OD. hisschen.

1. To make with the mouth a prolonged sound like that of the letter s, by driving the breath between the tongue and the teeth; to make with the mouth a sound like that made by a goose or a snake when angered; esp., to make such a sound as an expression of hatred, passion, or disapproval.

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee.— Ezek. xxvii. 36.

2. To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew.

Shod with steel, We hissed along the polished ice.— William Wordsworth
Hiss transitive verb

1. To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.

If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them.— William Shakespeare
Malcolm. What is the newest grief? Ros. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker.— William Shakespeare

2. To utter with a hissing sound.

The long-necked geese of the world that are ever hissing dispraise.— Alfred Tennyson
Hiss noun

1. A prolonged sound like that letter s, made by forcing out the breath between the tongue and teeth, esp. as a token of disapprobation or contempt.

“Hiss” implies audible friction of breath consonants.— Henry Sweet
A dismal, universal hiss, the sound Of public scorn.— John Milton

2. Any sound resembling that above described; as: (a) The noise made by a serpent.

But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue.— John Milton

(b) The note of a goose when irritated. (c) The noise made by steam escaping through a narrow orifice, or by water falling on a hot stove.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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