What is "sibilate"

Sibilate \Sib"i*late\, v. t. & i. To pronounce with a hissing sound, like that of the letter s; to mark with a character indicating such pronunciation.

1650s, from Latin sibilatus, past participle of sibilare "to hiss, whistle" (see sibilant (adj.)). Related: Sibilated; sibilating.

vb. 1 To hiss 2 To speak with a hissing sound

1. v. pronounce with an initial sibilant

2. utter a sibilant

3. express or utter with a hiss [syn: hiss, sizz, siss]

4. make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval [syn: hiss, siss, sizz]