Skip to content

fuss

verb

  1. be openly concerned
L10148 on Wikidata ↗

noun

  1. the display of concern
L16800 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /fʌs/ / /fʊs/

noun

Etymology: Of unknown origin. Perhaps from Danish fjas (“nonsense”), from Middle Low German (compare German faseln (“to maunder, talk nonsense”)). Compare also fouse (“to hasten, rush, tumble, disarrange”).

  1. Excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.

    They made a big fuss about the wedding plans.

    What's all the fuss about?

  2. A complaint or noise; a scene.

    If you make enough of a fuss about the problem, maybe they'll fix it for you.

  3. An exhibition of affection or admiration.

    They made a great fuss over the new baby.

verb

Etymology: Of unknown origin. Perhaps from Danish fjas (“nonsense”), from Middle Low German (compare German faseln (“to maunder, talk nonsense”)). Compare also fouse (“to hasten, rush, tumble, disarrange”).

  1. To be very worried or excited about something, often too much.

    His grandmother will never quit fussing over his vegetarianism.

    Dear reader, spare me. I don't hate men, I love them; I eat 'em for breakfast. But it seems to me that fussing about masculinity is intimately related to homophobia.

  2. To fiddle; fidget; wiggle, or adjust

    Quit fussing with your hair. It looks fine.

  3. To disturb (a person)
  4. To cry or be ill-humoured.
  5. To show affection for, especially animals.
  6. To pet.

    He fussed the cat.