fuss

[ fuhs ]

noun

1. an excessive display of anxious attention or activity; needless or useless bustle:

   They made a fuss over the new baby.

   Synonyms: commotion, stir, to-do, pother

   Antonyms: inactivity

2. an argument or noisy dispute:

   They had a fuss about who should wash dishes.

3. a complaint or protest, especially about something relatively unimportant.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a fuss; make much ado about trifles:

   You'll never finish the job if you fuss over details.

2. to complain especially about something relatively unimportant.

verb (used with object)

1. to disturb, especially with trifles; annoy; bother.

   Synonyms: pester

fuss

/ fʌs /

noun

1. nervous activity or agitation, esp when disproportionate or unnecessary
2. complaint or objection

   he made a fuss over the bill

3. an exhibition of affection or admiration, esp if excessive

   they made a great fuss over the new baby

4. a quarrel; dispute

verb

1. intr to worry unnecessarily
2. intr to be excessively concerned over trifles
3. whenintr, usually foll by over to show great or excessive concern, affection, etc (for)
4. intrfoll bywith to quarrel violently
5. tr to bother (a person)

Derived Forms

• ˈfusser, noun

Other Words From

• fusser noun
• un·fussed adjective
• un·fussing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuss¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuss¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with fuss , also see kick up a fuss ; make a fuss .

Example Sentences

In a Vienna hotel room, a press team and a small group of filmmakers, who are documenting her latest speaking tour, fuss around her.

From BBC

On a recent morning, Im was at the park doing what he usually does: fussing over the arcade games and the safety equipment in the play areas.

From Los Angeles Times

He "wasn’t fussed" about potentially losing his hair - though son Callum had some concerns.

From BBC

You may be wondering what all the fuss is about.

From Los Angeles Times

And why was there such a fuss about this latest pitch?

From BBC

Related Words

• commotion
• confusion
• controversy
• excitement
• flap
• furor
• hassle
• ruckus
• stink