Huff

/hʌf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sound made by exhaling forcefully, often as an expression of annoyance or anger.

With a huff, she slammed the door behind her.

a state of irritation or a fit of anger.

He was in a huff after losing the game.

a short, heavy breathing sound after exertion.

His huffing indicated that he was not used to such strenuous exercise.

verb

to breathe heavily or with a puffing sound, often due to exertion.

After running up the stairs, she stopped to huff and catch her breath.

to express annoyance or anger, often accompanied by a short, irritated sound.

He huffed when he realized he had missed the bus again.

to emit a puff of air, often with a sound.

The steam huffed out of the kettle when it reached boiling point.

Middle English, expressive of panting or puffing.

in a huff

In a state of anger or annoyance.

huff and puff

To complain or express discomfort loudly.

huff it

To hurry or rush.

puff

To breathe out in a short burst.

sigh

A slow, deep breath expressing weariness or relief.

snort

To force air through the nostrils with a harsh sound.

To take a deep inhalation of a substance, often referring to drugs.

He was caught huffing in the bathroom.

To throw a tantrum or act ostentatiously.

She started huffing when she didn't get her way.