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Glite Dictionary
😤 A gruff sound 😤 To clear throat 😠 Annoyed exclamation
harrumph

harrumph

1 9.2
A short gruff sound that comes from clearing the throat to show annoyance or doubt
  • noun
  • /həˈrʌmf/
  • Archaic
translation icon : harrumph
  • There are some great preventive drugs out there that are getting met with, as one doctor said, "shoulder shrugs and harrumphs."

Examples

  • If Lewis and I could ever have had the chance to sit down over a couple of beers and talk, after a few pro forma harrumphs over the different religious symbolisms we use, we'd very quickly be talking the same language and saying many of the same things.

    Blog text (4)

  • After the announcement, several members of the audience let out soft harrumphs of disagreement.

  • -I didn't get a harrumph out of him.

    Blazing Saddles (1974)

  • Harrumph, harrumph, harrumph.

    Blazing Saddles (1974)

  • "Harrumph," Mr. Prior said.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • He gave a disdainful harrumph.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • I think of my father poised at the edge of his seat in Leacock's class when I pay attention to students, noting a harrumph, a yawn, or the spark of I-get-it.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • The teacher's harrumph indicated her disapproval of the student's answer.

  • He responded to the ridiculous suggestion with a loud harrumph, showing his clear disdain.

Synonyms

humph
vsharrumph
  • Informal
4 9.1

A short low sound showing disapproval or doubt

is a gruff throat-clearing sound rather than a simple low sound
humpf
vsharrumph
  • Informal
9.9

A short snort people make to show doubt or dislike

is a throat-clear gruff used to signal disapproval or doubt

Antonyms

cheer
205 1.0

A loud shout people make to show approval or support

praise
161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

How Gruff

to snort
52 3.7
harrumph
  • Archaic
1 9.2
ahem
3 9.3

Surface Forms

harrumph singular
harrumphs plural

Etymology

Harrumph names the short, gruff throat sound you make to show you do not like something, similar to hmph or ahem. So a harrumph as a noun is that noise of 'disapproval' or 'doubt'.