hang

[ hang ]

/ hæŋ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR hang ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), hung or especially for 4, 5, 20, hanged; hang·ing.

to fasten or attach (a thing) so that it is supported only from above or at a point near its own top; suspend.

to attach or suspend so as to allow free movement: to hang a pendulum.

to place in position or fasten so as to allow easy or ready movement.

to put to death by suspending by the neck from a gallows, gibbet, yardarm, or the like.

to suspend (oneself) by the neck until dead: He hanged himself from a beam in the attic.

to fasten to a cross; crucify.

to furnish or decorate with something suspended: to hang a room with pictures.

to fasten into position; fix at a proper angle: to hang a scythe.

to fasten or attach (wallpaper, pictures, etc.) to a wall: to hang pictures in a room.

to suspend (something) in front of anything: to hang curtains on a window.

Fine Arts.

to exhibit (a painting or group of paintings): The gallery hung his paintings in a small corner.
to put the paintings of (an art exhibition) on the wall of a gallery: They hung the show that morning.

to attach or annex as an addition: to hang a rider on a bill.

to attach (a door or the like) to its frame by means of hinges.

to make (an idea, form, etc.) dependent on a situation, structure, concept, or the like, usually derived from another source: He hung the meaning of his puns on the current political scene.

(of a juror) to keep (a jury) from rendering a verdict by refusing to agree with the others.

Informal. to cause (a nickname, epithet, etc.) to become associated with a person: Friends hung that nickname on him.

Slang. to hit with (a fist, blow, punch, etc.): He hung a left on his opponent's jaw.

Baseball. to throw (a pitch) so that it fails to break, as a curve.

Nautical. to steady (a boat) in one place against a wind or current by thrusting a pole or the like into the bottom under the boat and allowing the wind or current to push the boat side-on against the pole.

(used in mild curses and emphatic expressions, often as a euphemism for damn): I'll be hanged if I do. Hang it all!

verb (used without object), hung or especially for 24, hanged; hang·ing.

to be suspended; dangle.

to swing freely, as on a hinge.

to incline downward, jut out, or lean over or forward: The tree hung over the edge of the lake.

to be suspended by the neck, as from a gallows, and suffer death in this way.

to be crucified.

to be conditioned or contingent; be dependent: His future hangs on the outcome of their discussion.

to be doubtful or undecided; waver or hesitate: He hung between staying and going.

to remain unfinished or undecided; be delayed: Let that matter hang until our next meeting.

to linger, remain, or persist: He hung by her side, unwilling to leave.

to float or hover in the air: Fog hung over the city.

to be oppressive, burdensome, or tedious: guilt that hangs on one's conscience.

to remain in attention or consideration (often followed by on or upon): They hung on his every word.

to fit or drape in graceful lines: That coat hangs well in back.

Fine Arts.

to be exhibited: His works hang in most major museums.
to have one's works on display: Rembrandt hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Informal. to hang out.

noun

the way in which a thing hangs.

Informal. the precise manner of doing, using, etc., something; knack: to get the hang of a tool.

Informal. meaning or thought: to get the hang of a subject.

Nautical.

loss of way due to adverse wind or current.
a rake, as of a mast.

the least degree of care, concern, etc. (used in mild curses and emphatic expressions as a euphemism for damn): He doesn't give a hang about those things.

Verb Phrases

hang around/about, Informal.

to spend time in a certain place or in certain company: He hangs around with an older crowd.
to linger about; loiter: They had stopped working and were just hanging around to talk.

hang back,

to be reluctant to proceed or move forward: The older pupils went straight to the podium, but the younger ones hung back out of shyness.
to refrain from taking action; hesitate: A forward pass would have been the best call, but the quarterback hung back because his last pass had been intercepted.

hang in, Slang. to persevere: She has managed to hang in despite years of bad luck. Also hang in there.

hang on,

to hold fast; cling to.
to continue with effort; persevere: If you can hang on for a month longer, you will be eligible for the bonus.
to be sustained to the point of danger, tedium, etc.: coughs that hang on for months.
to keep a telephone line open: Hang on, I'll see if she's here.
to wait briefly; keep calm.

hang out,

to lean or be suspended through an opening.
Informal. to frequent a particular place, especially in idling away one's free time: to hang out in a bar.
Informal. to loiter in public places: nothing to do on Saturday night but hang out.
Informal. to consort or appear in public with: Who's she been hanging out with?
Slang. to calm down: Hang out, Mom, I'm OK.
to wait, especially briefly: Hang out a minute while I get my backpack.
to suspend in open view; display: to hang out the flag.

hang over,

to remain to be settled; be postponed: They will probably let the final decision hang over until next year.
to be imminent or foreboding; threaten: Economic ruin hangs over the town.

hang up,

to suspend by placing on a hook, peg, or hanger.
to cause or encounter delay; suspend or slow the progress of: The accident hung up the traffic for several hours.
to break a telephone connection by replacing the receiver on the hook: She received an anonymous call, but the party hung up when she threatened to call the police.
to cause a hang-up or hang-ups in: The experience hung her up for years.

Idioms for hang

hang a left/right, Slang. to make a left (or right) turn, as while driving an automobile: Hang a right at the next corner.

hang five, to ride a surfboard with the weight of the body forward and the toes of the forward foot curled over the front edge of the surfboard.

hang in the balance, to be in a precarious state or condition: The wounded man's life hung in the balance.

hang it up, Informal. to quit, resign, give up, etc.: The chief engineer is hanging it up after 40 years with the company.

hang loose, Slang. to remain relaxed or calm: Try to hang loose and don't let it bother you.

hang one on, Slang.

to hit: He hung one on the bully and knocked him down.
to become extremely drunk: Every payday he hangs one on.

hang one's head. head(def 66).

hang ten, to ride a surfboard with the weight of the body as far forward as possible and the toes of both feet curled over the front edge of the surfboard.

hang together,

to be loyal to one another; remain united: “We must indeed all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”
to cohere: This pancake batter doesn't hang together.
to be logical or consistent: His version of the story does not hang together.

hang tough, Slang. to remain unyielding, stubborn, or inflexible: He's hanging tough and won't change his mind.

let it all hang out, Slang.

to be completely candid in expressing one's feelings, opinions, etc.: She's never been one to let it all hang out.
to act or live without restraint or inhibitions.

Origin of hang

before 900; fusion of 3 verbs: (1) Middle English, Old English hōn to hang (transitive), cognate with Gothic hāhan, orig. *haghan; (2) Middle English hang(i)en, Old English hangian to hang (intransitive), cognate with German hangen; (3) Middle English henge < Old Norse hengja (transitive), cognate with German hängen to hang

synonym study for hang

4. Hang, lynch have in common the meaning of “to put to death,” but lynching is not always by hanging. Hang, in the sense of execute, is in accordance with a legal sentence, the method of execution being to suspend by the neck until dead. To lynch, however, implies the summary putting to death, by any method, of someone charged with a flagrant offense (though guilt may not have been proved). Lynching is done by private persons, usually a mob, without legal authority. 26. depend, rely, rest, hinge.

usage note for hang

Hang has two forms for the past tense and past participle, hanged and hung. The historically older form hanged is now used exclusively in the sense of causing or putting to death: He was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until dead. In the sense of legal execution, hung is also quite common and is standard in all types of speech and writing except in legal documents. When legal execution is not meant, hung has become the more frequent form: The prisoner hung himself in his cell.

OTHER WORDS FROM hang

hang·a·ble, adjective hang·a·bil·i·ty, noun re·hang, verb (used with object), re·hung or re·hanged, re·hang·ing. un·der·hang, verb, un·der·hung, un·der·hang·ing.

un·hanged, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hang

hang lynch (see synonym study at the current entry) hanged hung (see usage note at the current entry)

Words nearby hang

handyperson, hane, hanefiyeh, hanepoot, hanford, hang, hang a left, hang about, hang around, hang back, hang behind

Definition for hang loose (2 of 2)

loose

[ loos ]

/ lus /

adjective, loos·er, loos·est.

free or released from fastening or attachment: a loose end.

free from anything that binds or restrains; unfettered: loose cats prowling around in alleyways at night.

uncombined, as a chemical element.

not bound together: to wear one's hair loose.

not put up in a package or other container: loose mushrooms.

available for disposal; unused; unappropriated: loose funds.

lacking in reticence or power of restraint: a loose tongue.

lax, as the bowels.

lacking moral restraint or integrity; notorious for his loose character.

sexually promiscuous or immoral; unchaste.

not firm, taut, or rigid: a loose tooth; a loose rein.

relaxed or limber in nature: He runs with a loose, open stride.

not fitting closely or tightly: a loose sweater.

not close or compact in structure or arrangement; having spaces between the parts; open: a loose weave.

having few restraining factors between associated constituents and allowing ample freedom for independent action: a loose federation of city-states.

not cohering: loose sand.

not strict, exact, or precise: a loose interpretation of the law.

Sports.

having the players on a team positioned at fairly wide intervals, as in a football formation.
(of a ball, hockey puck, etc.) not in the possession of either team; out of player control.

adverb

in a loose manner; loosely (usually used in combination): loose-flowing.

verb (used with object), loosed, loos·ing.

to let loose; free from bonds or restraint.

to release, as from constraint, obligation, or penalty.

Chiefly Nautical. to set free from fastening or attachment: to loose a boat from its moorings.

to unfasten, undo, or untie, as a bond, fetter, or knot.

to shoot; discharge; let fly: to loose missiles at the invaders.

to make less tight; slacken or relax.

to render less firmly fixed; lessen an attachment; loosen.

verb (used without object), loosed, loos·ing.

to let go a hold.

to hoist anchor; get under way.

to shoot or let fly an arrow, bullet, etc. (often followed by off): to loose off at a flock of ducks.

Obsolete. to become loose; loosen.

Origin of loose

1175–1225; (adj.) Middle English los, loos < Old Norse lauss loose, free, empty; cognate with Old English lēas (see -less), Dutch, German los loose, free; (v.) Middle English leowsen, lousen, derivative of the adj.

SYNONYMS FOR loose

2 unbound, untied, unrestricted, unconfined.

10 libertine, dissolute, licentious.

17 vague, general, indefinite.

20 loosen, unbind.

21 liberate.

25 ease.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR loose ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR loose

1 bound.

10 chaste.

25 tighten.

SEE ANTONYMS FOR loose ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM loose

loose·ly, adverb loose·ness, noun o·ver·loose, adjective o·ver·loose·ly, adverb

o·ver·loose·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH loose

loose loosen lose loss

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (1 of 2)

loose

/ (luːs) /

adjective

free or released from confinement or restraint

not close, compact, or tight in structure or arrangement

not fitted or fitting closely loose clothing is cooler

not bundled, packaged, fastened, or put in a container loose nails

inexact; imprecise a loose translation

(of funds, cash, etc) not allocated or locked away; readily available

(esp of women) promiscuous or easy
(of attitudes, ways of life, etc) immoral or dissolute

lacking a sense of responsibility or propriety loose talk

(of the bowels) emptying easily, esp excessively; lax
(of a cough) accompanied by phlegm, mucus, etc

(of a dye or dyed article) fading as a result of washing; not fast

informal, mainly US and Canadian very relaxed; easy

noun

the loose rugby the part of play when the forwards close round the ball in a ruck or loose scrum See scrum

on the loose

free from confinement or restraint
informal on a spree

adverb

in a loose manner; loosely
(in combination)loose-fitting

hang loose informal, mainly US to behave in a relaxed, easy fashion

verb

(tr) to set free or release, as from confinement, restraint, or obligation

(tr) to unfasten or untie

to make or become less strict, tight, firmly attached, compact, etc

(when intr, often foll by off) to let fly (a bullet, arrow, or other missile)

Derived forms of loose

loosely, adverb looseness, noun

Word Origin for loose

C13 (in the sense: not bound): from Old Norse lauss free; related to Old English lēas free from, -less

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (2 of 2)

hang

/ (hæŋ) /

verb hangs, hanging or hung (hʌŋ)

to fasten or be fastened from above, esp by a cord, chain, etc; suspend the picture hung on the wall; to hang laundry

to place or be placed in position as by a hinge so as to allow free movement around or at the place of suspension to hang a door

(intr sometimes foll by over) to be suspended or poised; hover a pall of smoke hung over the city

(intr sometimes foll by over) to be imminent; threaten

(intr) to be or remain doubtful or unresolved (esp in the phrase hang in the balance)

(past tense and past participle hanged) to suspend or be suspended by the neck until dead

(tr) to fasten, fix, or attach in position or at an appropriate angle to hang a scythe to its handle

(tr) to decorate, furnish, or cover with something suspended or fastened to hang a wall with tapestry

(tr) to fasten to or suspend from a wall to hang wallpaper

to exhibit (a picture or pictures) by (a particular painter, printmaker, etc) or (of a picture or a painter, etc) to be exhibited in an art gallery, etc

to fall or droop or allow to fall or droop to hang one's head in shame

(of cloth, clothing, etc) to drape, fall, or flow, esp in a specified manner her skirt hangs well

(tr) to suspend (game such as pheasant) so that it becomes slightly decomposed and therefore more tender and tasty

(of a jury) to prevent or be prevented from reaching a verdict

(past tense and past participle hanged) slang to damn or be damned: used in mild curses or interjections I'll be hanged before I'll go out in that storm

(intr) to pass slowly (esp in the phrase time hangs heavily)

hang fire

to be delayed
to procrastinateSee also fire (def. 16)

hang tough See tough (def. 10)

noun

the way in which something hangs

(usually used with a negative) slang a damn I don't care a hang for what you say

get the hang of informal

to understand the technique of doing something
to perceive the meaning or significance of

See also hang about, hang back, hang behind, hang in, hang on, hang out, hang together, hang up, hang with

Word Origin for hang

Old English hangian; related to Old Norse hanga, Old High German hangēn

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (1 of 2)

hang loose

Relax, take it easy, as in Just hang loose and it will all work out. [Slang; mid-1900s]

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (2 of 2)

loose

In addition to the idioms beginning with loose

loose cannon
loose ends

also see:

at loose ends
break loose
cast loose
cut loose
footloose and fancy-free
hang loose
have a screw loose
on the loose
play fast and loose

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

hang

verb (used with object), hung or especially for 4, 5, 20, hanged; hang·ing.

verb (used without object), hung or especially for 24, hanged; hang·ing.

noun

Verb Phrases

Idioms for hang

Origin of hang

synonym study for hang

usage note for hang

OTHER WORDS FROM hang

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hang

Words nearby hang

Definition for hang loose (2 of 2)

adjective, loos·er, loos·est.

adverb

verb (used with object), loosed, loos·ing.

verb (used without object), loosed, loos·ing.

Origin of loose

SYNONYMS FOR loose

ANTONYMS FOR loose

OTHER WORDS FROM loose

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH loose

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (1 of 2)

adjective

noun

adverb

verb

Derived forms of loose

Word Origin for loose

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (2 of 2)

verb hangs, hanging or hung (hʌŋ)

noun

Word Origin for hang

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (1 of 2)

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (2 of 2)

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

hang

verb (used with object), hung or especially for 4, 5, 20, hanged; hang·ing.

verb (used without object), hung or especially for 24, hanged; hang·ing.

noun

Verb Phrases

Idioms for hang

Origin of hang

synonym study for hang

usage note for hang

OTHER WORDS FROM hang

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hang

Words nearby hang

Definition for hang loose (2 of 2)

adjective, loos·er, loos·est.

adverb

verb (used with object), loosed, loos·ing.

verb (used without object), loosed, loos·ing.

Origin of loose

SYNONYMS FOR loose

ANTONYMS FOR loose

OTHER WORDS FROM loose

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH loose

Words related to hang loose

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (1 of 2)

adjective

noun

adverb

verb

Derived forms of loose

Word Origin for loose

British Dictionary definitions for hang loose (2 of 2)

verb hangs, hanging or hung (hʌŋ)

noun

Word Origin for hang

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (1 of 2)

Idioms and Phrases with hang loose (2 of 2)