First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hook
noun \ˈhu̇k\
: a curved or bent tool for catching, holding, or pulling something
: a ball or shot in golf and other games that curves to the side instead of going straight
boxing : a punch coming from the side of the body instead of going straight forward
Full Definition of HOOK
1
a : a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling b : something intended to attract and ensnare c : anchor 1
2
: something curved or bent like a hook; especially plural : fingers
3
: a flight or course of a ball that deviates from straight in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it; also : a ball following such a course — compare slice
4
: a short blow delivered with a circular motion by a boxer while the elbow remains bent and rigid
5
6
7
: quick or summary removal —used with get or give <the pitcher got the hook after giving up three runs>
8
: a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention
9
: a selling point or marketing scheme
10
: cradle 1b(2)
— by hook or by crook
: by any means
— off the hook
1
: out of trouble
2
: free of responsibility or accountability
— on one's own hook
: by oneself : independently
See hook defined for English-language learners
See hook defined for kids
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Origin of HOOK
Middle English, from Old English hōc; akin to Middle Dutch hoec fishhook, corner, Lithuanian kengė hook
Related to HOOK
- Synonyms
- bang, bash, bat, beat, belt, biff, bop, box, buffet, bust, chop, clap, clip, clout, crack, cuff, dab, douse [British], fillip, hack, haymaker, hit, 1blow, knock, larrup [dialect], lash, lick, pelt, pick, plump, poke, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slug, smack, smash, sock, spank, stinger, stripe, stroke, swat, swipe, switch, thud, thump, thwack, wallop, welt, whack, wham, whop (also whap)
2hook
verb
: to connect or attach (something) with a hook
: to be attached by hooks
: to catch (something, such as a fish) with a hook
Full Definition of HOOK
transitive verb
1
: to form into a hook : crook
2
a : to seize or make fast by or as if by a hook b : to connect by or as if by a hook —often used with up
4
: to make (as a rug) by drawing loops of yarn, thread, or cloth through a coarse fabric with a hook
5
: to hit or throw (a ball) so that a hook results
intransitive verb
1
: to form a hook : curve
2
: to become hooked
3
: to work as a prostitute
See hook defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HOOK
13th century
HOOK[1] Defined for Kids
1hook
noun \ˈhu̇k\
Definition of HOOK for Kids
1
: a curved device (as a piece of bent metal) for catching, holding, or pulling something <coat hook> <crochet hook>
2
: something curved or bent like a hook <a hook of land>
— by hook or by crook
: in any way : fairly or unfairly <She's determined to get her way by hook or by crook.>
2hook
verb
hookedhook·ing
Definition of HOOK for Kids
1
: to bend in the shape of a hook <He hooked his thumbs in his belt.>
2
: to catch or fasten with a hook <I hooked a fish.>
3
: connect 1 <She hooked the hose to the faucet.>
Medical Dictionary
hook
noun \ˈhu̇k\
Medical Definition of HOOK
1
: an instrument used in surgery to take hold of tissue <a crypt hook> <a cordotomy hook>
2
: an anatomical part that resembles a hook
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