/ hɪs; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
[ v ] hiss (at sb/sth) to make a sound like a long 's' :
The steam escaped with a loud hissing noise.
The snake lifted its head and hissed.
2.
to make a sound like a long 's' to show disapproval of sb/sth, especially an actor or a speaker :
[ vn ]
He was booed and hissed off the stage.
[also v ]
3.
hiss (at sb) to say sth in a quiet angry voice :
[ v ]
He hissed at them to be quiet.
[ v speech ]
'Leave me alone!' she hissed.
■ noun
a sound like a long 's'; this sound used to show disapproval of sb :
the hiss of the air brakes
the snake's hiss
The performance was met with boos and hisses.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (as a verb): imitative.