fuss

 
Pronunciation: /fʌs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest: I don’t know what all the fuss is about
  • [in singular] a protest or dispute of a specified degree or kind: he didn’t put up too much of a fuss
  • elaborate or complex procedures; trouble or difficulty: they settled in with very little fuss

verb

[no object]
  • show unnecessary or excessive concern about something: she’s always fussing about her food
  • busy oneself restlessly: beside him Kegan was fussing with sheets of paper
  • [with object] British disturb or bother (someone): when she cries in her sleep, try not to fuss her
  • [with object] treat (someone) with excessive attention or affection: she flattered and fussed her

Phrases

make a fuss

become angry and complain: I thought Mum might make a fuss but she was in a good mood she’d made a big fuss about not having a Brownie uniform

make a fuss over (or British of)

treat (a person or animal) with excessive attention or affection: their grandmother made such a fuss of them

Derivatives

fusser

noun

Origin:

early 18th century: perhaps Anglo-Irish