Hissing: meaning, definitions and examples

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hissing

[ˈhɪsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. The snake's hissing warned us to stay back. We heard a hissing noise coming from the radiator.
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. The audience began to hiss at the performer. She hissed at him to be quiet during the movie.
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. She had a distinctive, sibilant sound to her speech. The sibilant sounds in the language make it difficult for some to learn.
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'. There was a sharp sound as the glass shattered. I heard a sharp sound of metal against metal.

Examples of usage

The cat made a hissing sound when approached by the dog.
She responded with a hissing sound, clearly upset.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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. The cat was hissing at the intruder to show its displeasure. There was a soft hissing sound coming from the broken pipe.
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. The malfunctioning valve began to emit a hissing sound. The sprinkler system emitted a hissing sound as it activated.
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. The whispers made a sibilant noise that filled the haunted house. The tires on the wet road made a sibilant noise as the car sped by.

Word

Description / Examples

hissing

Again, commonly used to describe the sound snakes make or to show disapproval, as previously mentioned.

The cat was hissing at the intruder to show its displeasure.
There was a soft hissing sound coming from the broken pipe.

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.

The malfunctioning valve began to emit a hissing sound.
The sprinkler system emitted a hissing sound as it activated.

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.

The whispers made a sibilant noise that filled the haunted house.
The tires on the wet road made a sibilant noise as the car sped by.

Examples of usage

The snake hissed at the approaching predator.
She hissed in warning, signaling danger.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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 describes—the 'hiss' sound comes from how it’s pronounced.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "hissing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sibilo

🇮🇳 फुफकारना

🇩🇪 Zischen

🇮🇩 desisan

🇺🇦 шипіння

🇵🇱 syczenie

🇯🇵 シューという音

🇫🇷 sifflement

🇪🇸 silbido

🇹🇷 tıslama

🇰🇷 쉬익 소리

🇸🇦 فحيح

🇨🇿 syčení

🇸🇰 syčanie

🇨🇳 嘶嘶声

🇸🇮 sikanje

🇮🇸 hviss

🇰🇿 ысқырық

🇬🇪 სისინი

🇦🇿 fışıltı

🇲🇽 silbido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,561, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17558 censor
17559 tasty
17560 hopped
17561 hissing
17562 acquiesce
17563 insatiable
17564 entreat
...