to make a sharp sibilant sound, like the letter 's', to express disapproval or contempt by making such a sound

hiss and boo, hiss off, hiss through one's teeth

Formal and Informal Expressions of hiss

In different contexts, you can replace 'hiss' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'sibilate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'whistle, boo' is a commonplace synonym.

hiss: Explore its Definition & Usage

hiss Definition

1to make a sharp sibilant sound, like the letter 's'
2to express disapproval or contempt by making such a sound

Using hiss: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hiss" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The snake hissed at the approaching human.
Example
The audience hissed when the politician made an unpopular statement.
Example
The kettle began to hiss as it boiled.
Example
She hissed her words through clenched teeth.

hiss Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hiss

Phrases with hiss

hiss and boo
a sound made by an audience to show disapproval of a performance or performer
Example
The play was so bad that it received nothing but hisses and boos from the audience.
hiss off
to tell someone to go away in a rude or angry way
Example
I wish he would just hiss off and leave me alone.
hiss through one's teeth
to say something in a quiet, angry voice
Example
She hissed through her teeth that she would never forgive him for what he had done.

Origins of hiss

from Old English 'hyssan'

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Summary: hiss in Brief

The verb 'hiss' [hɪs] refers to making a sharp sibilant sound, often expressing disapproval or contempt. It can be used to describe the sound of a snake, a boiling kettle, or a person speaking angrily. The phrase 'hiss and boo' denotes audience disapproval, while 'hiss off' is a rude way of telling someone to go away.