What does hissed mean?
To hiss is to make a sharp, sibilant sound, especially by sending air through a narrow opening between the teeth or lips. The word is commonly used for the sound of steam escaping, a hot liquid cooling, or metal and machinery under pressure. It can also describe a person speaking in a low, tense, or angry voice, and the expression “hiss at someone” means to show strong disapproval through a hissing sound. Because hissing is associated with warning, irritation, and sometimes danger, it often carries a confrontational or negative implication. In contrast, descriptions such as “a sharp hiss” can simply identify the physical sound without suggesting that anyone is upset. The verb is flexible in fiction and everyday speech, but formal writing usually reserves it for vivid sensory description or deliberately dramatic reactions.
verbTo make a sharp, sibilant sound, often by forcing air through the teeth or lips. It can also mean to speak in a low, hissing voice, especially in anger or disapproval.
- To make a sharp, sibilant sound with the breath.
- To speak in a low, hissing voice, often expressing anger, annoyance, or disapproval.
- To express disapproval of someone or something by making a hissing sound.
"The kettle hissed sharply as it boiled, and she turned down the heat."
"The old radiator hissed and clicked throughout the night."
"She hissed at the suggestion that the proposal was unnecessary."
A hiss is the vocal equivalent of steam escaping from a valve: short, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hissed come from?
The word dates from the early modern period and has an imitative origin: its sound was created to represent the sharp, sustained sibilation associated with escaping air or hot liquid. The development of the verb followed that early noun-like use, and later senses extended from making the sound to speaking in a hissing manner or expressing disapproval by hissing. The related modern forms “hiss” and “hissing” preserve the same vocalic and verbal pattern.
Related word forms
How hissed is actually used
The verb is common in both formal and informal English. When used for speaking, it often suggests anger, sarcasm, or an attempt to make someone be quiet; the sound of steam or hot liquid is normally described neutrally.
Easily confused with hissed
A hiss is a sharp sibilant sound, whereas a hush is a sudden quieting or a request for silence.
A whisper is a very quiet but generally breathy way of speaking, while a hiss is sharper and more sibilant.