fuss

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   care for like a mother

   I fuss over my dog too much.

2. 2
   noun

   an angry disturbance

   I didn't want to make a fuss.

3. 3
   verb

   worry unnecessarily or excessively

   don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now

4. 4
   noun

   Excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.

   They made a big fuss about the wedding plans.

5. 5
   noun

   A complaint or noise; a scene.

   If you make enough of a fuss about the problem, maybe they'll fix it for you.

6. 6
   noun

   An exhibition of affection or admiration.

   They made a great fuss over the new baby.

7. 7
   verb

   To be very worried or excited about something, often too much.

   His grandmother will never quit fussing over his vegetarianism.

8. 8
   verb

   To fiddle; fidget; wiggle, or adjust

   Quit fussing with your hair. It looks fine.

Etymology

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”).