Behoot

/bɪˈhuːt/ verb

Definition

To hoot at or make hooting sounds toward something; to express mockery or derision through hooting.

Etymology

From 'be-' prefix plus 'hoot.' While 'hoot' has Old Germanic roots, the 'be-' form follows medieval English patterns of adding the prefix to create transitive or intensive verbs.

Kelly Says

This word is practically extinct, but it's a fun example of how onomatopoeia (hoot) could be verbed and prefixed—showing English's incredible flexibility in creating expressions for animal sounds and human mockery.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.