hissing

Noun
Synonyms: hisshushingfizzlesibilation

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)“the performers could not be heard over the hissing of the audience”Synonyms: hisshushingfizzlesibilation
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Hiss \Hiss\ (h[i^]s). v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hissed (h[i^]st); p. pr. & vb. n. Hissing.] [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. [1913 Webster]

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee.— Ezek. xxvii. 36.[1913 Webster]

2.To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew. [1913 Webster]

Shod with steel, We hissed along the polished ice.— Wordsworth.[1913 Webster]
Hissing \Hiss"ing\, n.

1.The act of emitting a hiss or hisses. [1913 Webster]

2.The occasion of contempt; the object of scorn and derision. [Archaic] [1913 Webster]

I will make this city desolate, and a hissing.— Jer. xix. 8.[1913 Webster]
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