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Hissed: meaning, definitions and examples

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hissed

 

[ hΙͺst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sound production

To hiss means to make a sharp sibilant sound, often used to express annoyance or to signify danger. It can also refer to the sound made by certain animals, like snakes, or the release of gas.

Synonyms

sibilate, sigh, whisper.

Examples of usage

  • The cat hissed when it felt threatened.
  • The steam began to hiss as it escaped from the kettle.
  • She hissed in disapproval at the loud music.
  • The snake hissed, warning us to stay away.

Etymology

The word 'hissed' is derived from the Middle English word 'hissen', which is a frequentative form of 'hiss', originating from the Old English 'hissan' (to hiss). This term has been in use since the late 14th century. The onomatopoeic quality of 'hiss' captures the sharp, sibilant sound that is produced, often associated with snakes or expressive disapproval in humans. The evolution of the word has seen it maintain its phonetic similarity throughout centuries, illustrating the consistency of human sound perception and vocal expression.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,717, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.