Hissing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
hissing
[หhษชsษชล ]
Definitions
sound
A sharp sibilant sound made by a cat, snake, or a person showing disapproval or anger.
Synonyms
hiss, sharp sound, sibilant sound.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hissing |
Used to describe a continuous, high-pitched sound, often made by something releasing air or steam. It can also describe the sound made by some animals, like snakes or cats, when they feel threatened.
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| hiss |
Refers to the act or sound of making a sharp, sibilant noise. This word can describe both the action and the sound itself, and can be used for humans, animals, and inanimate objects. Often used in a negative context, indicating displeasure or warning.
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| sibilant sound |
Refers to a specific kind of sound that has a hissing or 's' quality. This is often used in linguistics or more technical descriptions of sound.
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| sharp sound |
Describes a sudden, high-pitched noise. It can be used to talk about various abrupt or cutting sounds, and is often more general than 'hiss' or 'hissing'.
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Examples of usage
- The cat made a hissing sound when approached by the dog.
- She responded with a hissing sound, clearly upset.
action
Make a sharp sibilant sound as of a snake.
Synonyms
emit a hissing sound, make a sibilant noise.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hissing |
Again, commonly used to describe the sound snakes make or to show disapproval, as previously mentioned.
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| emit a hissing sound |
This phrase is more technical and typically used in scientific or detailed descriptions. It focuses on the act of producing the hissing noise.
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| make a sibilant noise |
This phrase is more formal and might be used in literary descriptions or academic contexts. It emphasizes the characteristic of the noise rather than its source.
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Examples of usage
- The snake hissed at the approaching predator.
- She hissed in warning, signaling danger.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Animal Behavior
- Many reptiles, particularly snakes, hiss to warn predators or threats, signaling they may bite if approached.
- Cats also hiss when feeling threatened, showing a defensive behavior that communicates fear or aggression.
- Certain birds, like geese, can hiss as a way to protect their nests, using the sound to scare off intruders.
Sound in Culture
- In movies, hissing often signifies danger or suspense, heightening the viewer's tension in critical moments.
- Hissing is sometimes used in music and theatre to convey moods, like tension or disdain, enhancing the storytelling.
- The hissing sound of steam has inspired common expressions like 'letting off steam,' indicating the release of pressure in stressful situations.
Psychology
- Sounds like hissing can trigger a startle response in humans, making it a powerful tool in horror and suspense storytelling.
- Research suggests that sharp, sudden noises can heighten anxiety and alertness, activating the fight-or-flight response.
- In sound therapy, replicating hissing sounds can be used to help individuals process and express pent-up emotions.
Physics
- Hissing occurs when gas escapes through a narrow space, creating turbulence which produces that specific sound.
- The frequency of a hiss can vary depending on the pressure and size of the opening through which the gas flows.
- It's a practical application studied in fluid dynamics, important in engineering and safety for managing gas systems.
Origin of 'hissing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from an Old English term 'hissian', which meant to make the sound of a snake.
- Its similar sounds can be found in various languages, indicating a universal representation of danger or a warning.
- The sound is onomatopoeic, meaning it imitates the noise it describesโthe 'hiss' sound comes from how itโs pronounced.
The word 'hissing' originates from Middle English 'his(s)ing', which is the present participle of 'hissen', of imitative origin. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the sound made by snakes, cats, or expressing disapproval or anger.