Grunts with displeasure
Harrumphs is the third-person singular of harrumph, to make a gruff throat-clearing sound expressing disapproval, skepticism, or pompous displeasure.
The word imitates the sound itself.
He harrumphs whenever anyone mentions modern art.
She harrumphs at the suggestion that she might be wrong.
IDEA.org / Words / harrumphs
Grunts with displeasure
Harrumphs is the third-person singular of harrumph, to make a gruff throat-clearing sound expressing disapproval, skepticism, or pompous displeasure.
The word imitates the sound itself.
He harrumphs whenever anyone mentions modern art.
She harrumphs at the suggestion that she might be wrong.
1. disapproval — grumble, Low, discontented murmuring; scoff (Mock with disdain); tut-tut (Clucking sound of reproach); snort (Noisy nasal exhale); grunt · huff · scowl · frown · mutter · grouse · bluster · bristle · rebuke · reproach
2. clearing — cough, Explosive airway clearing; ahem (Attention-getting interjection); sputter (Emit irregular popping sounds); rasp (Coarse shaping tool); splutter · hack · grunt · snort · wheeze
APPROVAL/DISAPPROVALharrumphs ≠ applauds Claps in appreciation; cheers · acclaims · approves · praises · commends
ENTHUSIASM/GRUMPINESSharrumphs ≠ enthuses Shows keen excitement; gushes · exclaims · exults · coos · purrs
harrumph, harrumphed, harrumphing
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/harrumphs