hang

Main Entry:: ¹hang
Pronunciation:: \ˈhaŋ\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: hung \ˈhəŋ\ also hanged \ˈhaŋd\ ; hang·ing \ˈhaŋ-iŋ\
Etymology:: 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
Date:: before 12th century

transitive verb1 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 height2: 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 gallery6: to throw (as a curveball) so that it fails to break properly7: to make (a turn) especially while driving <hang a right> <hung a quick U-turn — Tom Clancy>8: base, found <something to hang our hopes on>intransitive verb1 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>3: linger, persist4: to be imminent : impend <doom hung over the nation>5: to fall or droop from a usually tense or taut position6: 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 downward10: 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>13of a thrown ball : to fail to break or drop as intended

— hang·able

\ˈhaŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective

— hang fire

1: to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged2: delay, hesitate3: to remain unsettled or unresolved

— hang it up

: to cease an activity or effort

— hang loose

: to remain calm or relaxed

— hang one on

1: to inflict a blow on2slang : 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

usage 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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Pronunciation Symbols

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