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hisses

 - 2 dictionary results

hiss

  [his]
Use hisses in a Sentence
–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.
–verb (used with object)
3. to express disapproval of by hissing: The audience hissed the controversial play.
4. to silence or drive away by hissing (usually fol. by away, down, etc.): They hissed down the author when he tried to speak.
5. to utter with a hiss.
–noun
6. a hissing sound, esp. one made in disapproval.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME hissen; prob. imit.; cf. OE hyscan to jeer at, rail (deriv. of husc jeering; c. OS, OHG hosc)

Related forms:
hisser, noun
hiss⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2, 4. boo, razz, heckle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To hisses
hiss   (hĭs)   
n.  

  1. A sharp sibilant sound similar to a sustained s.

  2. An expression of disapproval, contempt, or dissatisfaction conveyed by use of this sound.

v.   hissed, hiss·ing, hiss·es

v.   intr.
To make a hiss: The audience booed and hissed. The teakettle hissed on the stove.
v.   tr.

  1. To utter with a hiss:

  2. To express (a negative view or reaction) by uttering a hiss: The audience hissed its displeasure.


[Middle English hissen, to hiss, of imitative origin.]
hiss'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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