- hang
- [[t]hæ̱ŋ[/t]]
♦♦(The form hung is used as the past tense and past participle. The form hanged is used as the past tense for meaning 5.)1) V-ERG If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground.
[V prep/adv] Notices painted on sheets hang at every entrance...
[V prep/adv] A light-bulb hanging from the ceiling filled the room with a cold yellow light...
[V prep/adv] The curtains will be hanging there for years...
[V prep/adv] I was left hanging by my finger-tips over a drop of hundreds of feet.
[V-ing] ...small hanging lanterns...
[V n prep/adv] They saw a young woman come out of the house to hang clothes on a line. [Also V n, V]
PHR-V-ERGHang up means the same as hang.V P
I found his jacket, which was hanging up in the hallway... Also V n P V P n (not pron) Some prisoners climbed onto the roof and hung up a banner.2) VERB If a piece of clothing or fabric hangs in a particular way or position, that is how it is worn or arranged.[V adv/prep] ...a ragged fur coat that hung down to her calves...
[V adv/prep] Look for a suit made from good, sturdy cloth to ensure it hangs well...
[V adj] She stood with her hands on her hips, the shawl hanging loose from her shoulders.
3) VERB If something hangs loose or hangs open, it is partly fixed in position, but is not firmly held, supported, or controlled, often in such a way that it moves freely.[V adj] ...her long golden hair which hung loose about her shoulders...
[V adj] The window sashes were missing, the doors hung open, or were gone altogether...
[V adj] She froze, her mouth hanging open.
4) VERB: usu passive If something such as a wall is hung with pictures or other objects, they are attached to it.[be V-ed with n] The walls were hung with huge modern paintings.
[V-ed] ...a line of wall hooks hung with old anoraks and mud-stained overalls.
5) V-ERG If someone is hanged or if they hang, they are killed, usually as a punishment, by having a rope tied around their neck and the support taken away from under their feet.[be V-ed] The five were expected to be hanged at 7 am on Tuesday...
It is right that their murderers should hang...
[V pron-refl] He hanged himself two hours after arriving at a mental hospital. [Also V n]
Derived words:hanging plural N-VARFour steamboat loads of spectators came to view a hanging in New Orleans.
6) VERB If something such as someone's breath or smoke hangs in the air, it remains there without appearing to move or change position.[V prep/adv] His breath was hanging in the air before him...
[V prep/adv] A haze of expensive perfume hangs around her.
Syn:7) VERB If a possibility hangs over you, it worries you and makes your life unpleasant or difficult because you think it might happen.[V over n] A constant threat of unemployment hangs over thousands of university researchers...
[V over n] A question mark hangs over many of their futures.
8) VERB: only imper Hang is used in expressions such as hang it and hang the money to indicate that you are not concerned about something or the consequences of doing something. [INFORMAL][V n] Once the Americans decide to do a thing, they do it well, and hang the cost. [Also V it]
9) → See also , hung10) PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. [INFORMAL]It's a bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it.
11) PHRASE: V inflects If you tell someone to hang in there or to hang on in there, you are encouraging them to keep trying to do something and not to give up even though it might be difficult. [INFORMAL]Hang in there and you never know what is achievable.
12) PHRASE: let inflects If you let it all hang out, you relax completely and enjoy yourself without worrying about hiding your emotions or behaving politely. [INFORMAL]Phrasal Verbs:- hang on- hang out- hang up
English dictionary. 2008.
