First Known Use: 1583
Dictionary
1huff
verb \ˈhəf\
: to say (something) in a way that shows you are annoyed or angry
Full Definition of HUFF
intransitive verb
1
a : to emit puffs (as of breath or steam) b : to proceed with labored breathing <huffed up to the peak>
2
a : to make empty threats : bluster b : to react or behave indignantly
transitive verb
1
archaic : to treat with contempt
2
: to make angry
3
: to utter with indignation or scorn
4
: to inhale (noxious fumes) through the mouth for the euphoric effect produced by the inhalant
See huff defined for English-language learners
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Origin of HUFF
imitative
2huff
noun
Definition of HUFF
: a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment <quit in a huff>
See huff defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HUFF
1684
Related to HUFF
Synonym Discussion of HUFF
offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon>. huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>.
offense, sin, vice, crime, scandal mean a transgression of law. offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. sin implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.
offense, sin, vice, crime, scandal mean a transgression of law. offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. sin implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.
HUFF Defined for Kids
1huff
verb \ˈhəf\
huffedhuff·ing
Definition of HUFF for Kids
1
: to give off puffs (as of air or steam)
2
: to do or say in a way that shows anger <He huffed out of the room.>
2huff
noun
Definition of HUFF for Kids
: a fit of anger or temper <We argued and she left in a huff.>
Medical Dictionary
huff
transitive verb \ˈhəf\
Medical Definition of HUFF
: to inhale (noxious fumes) through the mouth for the euphoric effect produced by the inhalant; also : to inhale the noxious fumes of (a substance) for their euphoric effect <teenagers huffing correction fluid>
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