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¹hang

verb \ˈhaŋ\

: to attach or place something so that it is held up without support from below

: to decorate (a surface) by hanging something (such as a picture) on it

: to put (wallpaper) on a wall

hung \ˈhəŋ\ also hanged \ˈhaŋd\ hang·ing \ˈhaŋ-iŋ\

Full Definition of HANG

transitive verb

a : to fasten to some elevated point without support from below : suspend

b : to suspend by the neck until dead —often hanged in the past —often used as a mild oath <I'll be hanged>

c : to fasten so as to allow free motion within given limits upon a point of suspension <hang a door>

d : to adjust the hem of (a skirt) so as to hang evenly and at a proper height

: to furnish with hanging decorations (as flags or bunting)

: to hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner <hung his head in shame>

: to apply to a wall <hang wallpaper>

: to display (pictures) in a gallery

: to throw (as a curveball) so that it fails to break properly

: to make (a turn) especially while driving <hang a right> <hung a quick U-turn — Tom Clancy>

: base, found <something to hang our hopes on>

intransitive verb

a : to remain suspended or fastened to some point above without support from below : dangle

b : to die by hanging —often hanged in the past <he hanged for his crimes>

c : to be connected as something relevant or related <thereby hangs a tale — Shakespeare>

: to remain poised or stationary in the air <clouds hanging low overhead>

: linger, persist

: to be imminent : impend <doom hung over the nation>

: to fall or droop from a usually tense or taut position

: depend <election hangs on one vote>

a (1) : to take hold for support : cling <she hung on his arm> (2) : to keep persistent contact <dogs hung to the trail> (3) : to maintain or continue holding a position <hang behind> (4) : to stay even : keep up —usually used with with <trying to hang with the leader>

b : to be burdensome or oppressive <time hangs on his hands>

: to be uncertain or in suspense <the decision is still hanging>

: to lean, incline, or jut over or downward

: to be in a state of rapt attention <hung on her every word>

: to fit or fall from the figure in easy lines <the coat hangs loosely>

: to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing <hanging at the beach> —often used with around or out <hung out with friends>

of a thrown ball : to fail to break or drop as intended

— hang·able \ˈhaŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective

— hang fire

: to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged

: delay, hesitate

: to remain unsettled or unresolved

— hang it up

: to cease an activity or effort

— hang loose

: to remain calm or relaxed

— hang one on

: to inflict a blow on

slang : to get very drunk

— hang out to dry

: to subject to ruin by abandonment

— hang one's hat

: to situate oneself in (as a residence or place of employment)

: to have or use as a source of support <need a career to hang my hat on>

— hang ten

: to ride a surfboard with the toes of both feet turned over the front edge

— hang tough

: to remain resolute in the face of adversity : hang in

See hang defined for English-language learners

See hang defined for kids

Usage Discussion of HANG

For both transitive and intransitive senses 1b the past and past participle hung, as well as hanged, is standard. Hanged is most appropriate for official executions <he was to be hanged, cut down whilst still alive … and his bowels torn out — Louis Allen> but hung is also used <gave orders that she should be hung — Peter Quennell>. Hung is more appropriate for less formal hangings <by morning I'll be hung in effigy — Ronald Reagan>.

Origin of HANG

partly from Middle English hon, from Old English hōn, v.t.; partly from Middle English hangen, from Old English hangian, v.i. & v.t.; both akin to Old High German hāhan, v.t., to hang, hangēn, v.i. — more at cunctation

First Known Use: before 12th century