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harrumph

To harrumph means to make a loud noise of disapproval, or to clear your throat loudly.

(verb)

When someone does something you do not approve of and you make a loud grunting noise to show your dissatisfaction, this is an example of a time when you harrumph.

The definition of a harrumph is a loud expression of disapproval or a loud clearing of the throat.

(noun)

A loud disapproving sound is an example of a harrumph.

See harrumph in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to clear one's throat, esp. in a studied, pompous way
to protest or complain in a pompous or self-righteous way

Origin: echoic

noun

the act or sound of harrumphing

interjection

used to suggest such a sound

See harrumph in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb har·rumphed, har·rumph·ing, har·rumphs

To make a show of clearing one's throat.
To offer usually brief critical comments: harrumphed for a while over the proposal.

Origin:

Origin: Imitative

Related Forms:

har·rumphˈ noun

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