hiss

 
Pronunciation: /hɪs/

verb

[no object]
  • make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s: the escaping gas was hissing
  • (of a person) make a sibilant sound as a sign of disapproval or derision: the audience hissed loudly at the mention of his name
  • [with object] express disapproval of (someone) by hissing: he was hissed off the stage
  • [reporting verb] whisper something in an urgent or angry way: [with direct speech]: ‘Get back!’ he hissed

noun

  • a sharp sibilant sound: the spit and hiss of a cornered cat
  • a sibilant sound used to convey disapproval or derision: the audience greeted this comment with boos and hisses
  • [mass noun] electrical interference at audio frequencies: tape hiss

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb): imitative