[hang] vb hung also hanged ; hang.ing [partly fr. ME hon, fr. OE hon, v.t.; partly fr. ME hangen, fr. OE hangian, v.i. & v.t.; both akin to OHG hahan, v.t., to hang, hangen, v.i.--more at cunctation] vt (bef. 12c) 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 ~ed" c: to fasten so as to allow free motion within given limits upon a point of suspension "~ 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 "~ 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) esp. while driving "~ a right" "hung a quick U-turn --Tom Clancy" ~ vi 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 ~ed for his crimes"
2: to remain poised or stationary in the air "clouds ~ing low overhead"
3: linger, persist
4: to be imminent: impend "doom hung over the nation"
5: to fall or droop from a usu. tense or taut position
6: depend "election ~s 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" b: to be burdensome or oppressive "time ~s on his hands" 8: to be uncertain or in suspense "the decision is still ~ing" 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 ~s loosely" 12 of a thrown ball: to fail to break or drop as intended -- hang.able adj -- hang fire 1: to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged
2: delay, hesitate
3: 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 on
2. slang: to get very drunk -- hang one's hat : to situate oneself in (as a residence or place of employment) -- 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".
[2]hang n (ca. 1797) 1: the manner in which a thing hangs
2: declivity, slope; also: droop
3: facility with or an understanding of something "can't get the ~ 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