shh

shh · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    Used to call for silence or quiet.

  2. 2.

    Used to indicate that something should be kept secret.

Related words

See also: hush, quiet, silence
Synonyms: hush, quiet, sh, shhh

Etymology

An onomatopoeic word imitating the sound made when hushing someone. The sound /ʃ/ (as in "ship") naturally commands attention without being loud, making it effective for calling for quiet. Similar hushing sounds exist across many languages, suggesting this is a universal form of communication.