n.
Pronunciation: ' ha ŋ
Function: verb
Inflected Form: hung \ ' h ə ŋ \ also hanged \ ' ha ŋ d \ ; hang · ing \ ' ha ŋ -i ŋ \
Etymology: partly from Middle English hon, from Old English h ō n, v.t.; partly from Middle English hangen, from Old English hangian, v.i. & v.t.; both akin to Old High German h ā han, v.t., to hang, hang ē n, v.i. ― more at CUNCTATION
Date: before 12th century
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 hang ed > 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>
8 : BASE , FOUND <something to hang our hopes on>
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 hang ed for his crimes> c : to be connected as something relevant or related <thereby hang s a tale ― Shakespeare>
2 : to remain poised or stationary in the air <clouds hang ing low overhead>
3 : LINGER , PERSIST
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 hang 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> (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 hang s on his hands>
8 : to be uncertain or in suspense <the decision is still hang 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 hang s loosely>
12 : to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing < hang ing 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 \ ' ha ŋ - ə -b ə l \ adjective
– 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 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>.