Definition

Noun: 1. The act of making a prolonged "sh" sound to urge silence: The action of saying "sh" or making a similar sibilant sound to quiet someone or something. 2. A fricative sound expressing disapproval or calling for quiet: A hissing or shushing noise, often made by an audience to indicate they wish others to be silent or to show their dissatisfaction.

Usage

• "Hushing" is primarily used as a noun to describe the sound itself or the collective act of making that sound.
• It often describes a reaction from a group, like an audience or a crowd.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A gentle hushing came from the librarian when the students became too loud.
  • The speaker paused, waiting for the hushing in the back of the hall to subside.
  • The constant hushing of the audience made it difficult for the performers to concentrate.

Advanced Usage

• "A chorus of hushing": Emphasizes that the sound is being made by many people at once.
  • His comment was met with a chorus of hushing from the other patrons.

Variants and Related Words

• Hush (verb/noun): To make or become quiet. (e.g., / )
• Shush (verb): To tell someone to be quiet, often by saying "sh." (e.g., )
• Hiss (verb/noun): A sharp, sustained sibilant sound, often made by a snake or to show strong disapproval. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Shushing
• Hissing (when expressing disapproval)
• Quieting

Related Phrases

• To fall/be hushed: To become or be very quiet.
  • The courtroom fell hushed as the verdict was read.

Noun

1. a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
   • the performers could not be heard over the hissing of the audience