assibilate

[ uh-sib-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, as·sib·i·lat·ed, as·sib·i·lat·ing.

1. to change into or pronounce with the accompaniment of a sibilant sound or sounds.

verb (used without object)

, as·sib·i·lat·ed, as·sib·i·lat·ing.

1. to change by assibilation.
2. to become a sibilant or a sound containing a sibilant.

assibilate

/ əˈsɪbɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. intr (of a speech sound) to be changed into a sibilant
2. tr to pronounce (a speech sound) with or as a sibilant

Derived Forms

• asˌsibiˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• as·sibi·lation noun
• unas·sibi·lated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assibilate¹

1835–45; < Latin assībilātus murmured, whispered at, hissed (past participle of assībilāre ). See as-, sibilate

Word History and Origins

Origin of assibilate¹

C19: from Late Latin assībilāre to hiss at, from sībilāre to hiss; see sibilant