Dictionary
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
1
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
2
: to furnish with hanging decorations (as flags or bunting)
3
: to hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner <hung his head in shame>
4
: to apply to a wall <hang wallpaper>
5
: to display (pictures) in a gallery
6
: to throw (as a curveball) so that it fails to break properly
7
: to make (a turn) especially while driving <hang a right> <hung a quick U-turn — Tom Clancy>
intransitive verb
1
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>
2
: to remain poised or stationary in the air <clouds hanging low overhead>
4
: to be imminent : impend <doom hung over the nation>
5
: to fall or droop from a usually tense or taut position
6
: depend <election hangs on one vote>
7
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>
8
: to be uncertain or in suspense <the decision is still hanging>
9
: to lean, incline, or jut over or downward
10
: to be in a state of rapt attention <hung on her every word>
11
: to fit or fall from the figure in easy lines <the coat hangs loosely>
12
: to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing <hanging at the beach> —often used with around or out <hung out with friends>
13
of a thrown ball : to fail to break or drop as intended
— hang·able \ˈhaŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective
— hang fire
— hang it up
: to cease an activity or effort
— hang loose
: to remain calm or relaxed
— hang one on
1
: to inflict a blow on
2
slang : to get very drunk
— hang out to dry
: to subject to ruin by abandonment
— hang one's hat
1
: to situate oneself in (as a residence or place of employment)
2
: 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
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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>.
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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
2hang
noun
: the way in which something hangs
Full Definition of HANG
1
: the manner in which a thing hangs
3
: facility with or an understanding of something <can't get the hang of this>
4
: a hesitation or slackening in motion or in a course
— give a hang or care a hang
: to be the least bit concerned or worried
See hang defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HANG
circa 1797
GIVE A HANG Defined for Kids
1hang
verb \ˈhaŋ\
hung \ˈhəŋ\ also hangedhang·ing
Definition of HANG for Kids
1
: to fasten or be fastened to something without support from below <I helped Mom hang curtains.>
2
: to kill or be killed by suspending (as from a gallows) by a rope tied around the neck
3
: to cause to droop <The dog hung her head.>
— hang around
1
: to be or stay (somewhere) without doing much <They like to hang around the mall.>
2
: to pass time without doing much <We hung around until dark.>
— hang on
1
: to hold or grip something tightly
2
: to wait or stop briefly <I'm busy. Can you hang on a minute?>
3
: to be determined or decided by <The decision hangs on one vote.>
— hang out
: to pass time without doing much
— hang up
1
: to place on a hook or hanger
2
: to end a telephone connection
2hang
noun
Definition of HANG for Kids
1
: the way in which a thing hangs <The skirt has a graceful hang.>
2
: skill to do something <I got the hang of skating.>
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