huff

1 of 2

verb

ˈhəf 

huffed; huffing; huffs

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

huff

2 of 2

noun

: a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment

quit in a huff

Synonyms

Verb

• bluster
• fulminate
• rant
• rave
• spout

Noun

• dither
• fluster
• fret
• fuss
• lather
• pother
• stew
• sweat
• swelter
• swivet
• tizzy
• twitter

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of huff in a Sentence

Verb

“The project is a complete waste of time,” she huffed.

demanding to speak to the manager, he huffed about the rudeness of the sales assistant

Noun

was in a huff because everyone was running late and the school bus would stop to pick them up in a matter of minutes

gets all in a huff every time anyone makes the slightest criticism

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

And of course, Dennis Hopper, huffing nitrous oxide as rapist, gang leader Frank Booth is a vision of male bestiality ripped out of a Francis Bacon painting (Lynch has acknowledged Bacon as a key influence on his work). —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Out front, Pastor Rodney Freeman and several volunteers — bundled up in thick winter coats, huffing out little clouds of breath — rush to set up the Bountiful Blessings food pantry. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025

Noun

Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world. —Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing huff

• huff and puff
• in a huff

Kids Definition

huff

1 of 2 verb

ˈhəf 

: puff entry 1 sense 1a

huff

2 of 2 noun

: a fit of anger or irritation

Medical Definition

huff

transitive verb

ˈhəf 

: 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