harrumph
/həˈrʌmf/
verb
- To clear the throat noisily, often to show disapproval or hesitation.
- She harrumphed before answering, making everyone wait.
- The teacher harrumphed loudly when the student gave a weak excuse.
- He harrumphed and looked away, clearly annoyed by the suggestion.
- To express disapproval or doubt in a grumpy way.
- Critics harrumphed about the movie's unrealistic plot.
- The old man harrumphed at the new rules, calling them unnecessary.
- My boss harrumphed when I asked for a raise, then changed the subject.
noun
- A noisy clearing of the throat, especially one expressing disapproval.
- He gave a loud harrumph and walked out of the room.
- I heard a harrumph from the back row during the speech.
- Her harrumph was enough to silence the whole class.