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fuss

n. · v.
US //ˈfəs// UK //fˈʌs// fuss
  1. 1 unnecessary excitement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    too much worry or excitement about something that is not very important.

    excessive or unnecessary activity, excitement, or concern regarding a trivial matter.

    Example

    All that fuss over a broken plate seemed a bit much to me.

    Example

    The media made a tremendous fuss about the minor scheduling conflict, treating it as if it were a major political scandal.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'about' or 'over'.
  2. 2 a complaint (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a show of anger or a complaint about something you do not like.

    a public display of protest, complaint, or dissatisfaction.

    Example

    He made a fuss at the restaurant because his soup was cold.

    Example

    If the service doesn't improve, I am prepared to make a fuss and demand to speak with the manager.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the idiom 'to make a fuss'.
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  1. 3 extra attention (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a lot of attention, praise, or love shown to a person or animal.

    an exhibition of excessive affection, admiration, or solicitous attention.

    Example

    Everyone made a big fuss of the new baby when they arrived.

    Example

    The dog enjoys the fuss the children make of him whenever they visit for the weekend.

    Usage

    In British English, the construction is usually 'make a fuss of someone'.
  2. 4 to worry or be busy (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to worry too much about small details or to keep busy with unimportant things.

    to behave in a nervous or restless manner; to pay excessive attention to petty details.

    Example

    Stop fussing with your hair and let's go to the party.

    Example

    She spent the entire morning fussing over the seating arrangements, even though it was just an informal lunch.

    Usage

    Intransitive verb; frequently followed by 'over' or 'with'.
  3. 5 to be unhappy or cry (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    to be annoyed or to cry a little bit, especially used for babies.

    to be ill-humoured or to cry fretfully.

    Example

    The baby started to fuss because it was past his nap time.

    Example

    The toddler began to fuss and pull at his clothes as the afternoon heat became more intense.
Origin

Of unknown origin. Perhaps from Danish fjas (“nonsense”), from Middle Low German (compare German faseln (“to maunder, talk nonsense”)). Compare also fouse (“to hasten, rush, tumble, disarrange”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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