hiss

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
  2. noun a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
  3. verb make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

Etymology

From Middle English hissen, probably of onomatopoeic origin (compare Arabic هَسْهَسَ (hashasa)). Compare Middle Dutch hissen, hisschen (“to chase away, shoo”), Middle Low German hissen (“to chase, hound, incite”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

hissing, hushing, fizzle, sibilation

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