HISS


Meaning of HISS in English

— hisser , n. — hissingly , adv.

/his/ , v.i.

1. to make or emit a sharp sound like that of the letter s prolonged, as a snake does, or as steam does when forced under pressure through a small opening.

2. to express disapproval or contempt by making this sound: The audience hissed when the actor forgot his lines.

v.t.

3. to express disapproval of by hissing: The audience hissed the controversial play.

4. to silence or drive away by hissing (usually fol. by away, down, etc.): They hissed down the author when he tried to speak.

5. to utter with a hiss.

n.

6. a hissing sound, esp. one made in disapproval.

[ 1350-1400; ME hissen; prob. imit.; cf. OE hyscan to jeer at, rail (deriv. of husc jeering; c. OS, OHG hosc ) ]

Syn. 2, 4. boo, razz, heckle.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .