释义 |
hoot I. \ˈhüt, usu -üd.+V\ verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Middle English houten, hoten, of imitative origin intransitive verb 1. : to utter a loud shout; usually : to cry out or shout in contempt < matrons and girls shall hoot at thee no more — John Dryden > 2. a. : to make the natural throat noise of an owl b. : to make a sound resembling the hoot of an owl — used especially of other birds or mammals 3. : to make a loud clamorous mechanical sound — used especially of a siren and similar devices < foghorns hooting in the gloom > transitive verb 1. a. : to assail with contemptuous cries or other expressions of disapproval or contempt < men of goodwill hooted by rowdies > b. : to check, interrupt, or drive out by hooting < hooted down the speaker > < hooting unpopular actors off the stage > 2. : to express in or by hoots < hooted his disapproval > II. noun (-s) 1. : a loud inarticulate shout or noise; especially : a derisive cry < gave a hoot of contempt > 2. a. : the cry of an owl b. : a sound (as of a motor horn) suggesting this cry 3. : a very small amount : bit, trifle, whit — used chiefly in negative constructions and especially with the indefinite article < don't care a hoot what you decide > < she didn't really give two hoots about me — Eric Soames > III. interjection or hoots \-ts\ Etymology: origin unknown chiefly Scotland — used to express impatience, mild dissatisfaction, or objection and often in combination < hoot awa > < hoot mon > IV. noun (-s) Etymology: Maori utu price, requital slang Australia : money V. noun : something or someone amusing |