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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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>
13 of 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 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>.