hiss Hear it!

hiss definition

hiss (his)

intransitive verb

  1. to make a sound like that of a prolonged s, as of a goose or snake when provoked or alarmed, or of escaping steam, air, etc.
  2. to show dislike or disapproval of by hissing

Etymology: ME hissen, of echoic orig.

transitive verb

  1. to say or indicate by hissing
  2. to show dislike or disapproval of by hissing
  3. to force or drive by hissing to hiss a performer off the stage

noun

the act or sound of hissing

Related Forms:

Hiss definition

Hiss (his)

Hiss, Alger (al′jər) 1904-96; U.S. public official: accused of espionage and convicted of perjury

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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