hiss

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hiss / his/ • v. [intr.] make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s: the escaping gas was now hissing. ∎  (of a person) make such a sound as a sign of disapproval or derision: the audience hissed loudly at the mention of his name. ∎  [tr.] express disapproval of (someone) by making such a sound: he was hissed off the stage. ∎  whisper something in an urgent or angry way: he hissed at them to be quiet | [with direct speech] “Get back!” he hissed. • n. a sharp sibilant sound: the spit and hiss of a cornered cat. ∎  a sound such as this used as an expression of disapproval or derision: a hiss of annoyance. ∎  electrical interference at audio frequencies: tape hiss.

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