v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (of a person, snake, goose, etc.) make a sharp sibilant sound, esp. as a sign of disapproval or derision (audience booed and hissed; the water hissed on the hotplate).
2 tr. express disapproval of (a person etc.) by hisses.
3 tr. whisper (a threat etc.) urgently or angrily ('Where's the door?' he hissed).
--n.
1. a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s.
2 Electronics unwanted interference at audio frequencies.
Phrases and idioms:
hiss away (or down) drive off etc. by hisses. hiss off hiss (actors etc.) so that they leave the stage.
Etymology: ME: imit.