hang back

verb

hung back; hanging back; hangs back

intransitive verb

1

: to drag behind others

2

: to be reluctant

Synonyms of hang back

• hesitate
• falter

Examples of hang back in a Sentence

even though the young mother wanted the job, she still hung back because she wasn't sure if she should spend time away from her family

Recent Examples on the Web

Gengras hangs back, letting his synths thicken the air rather than leaping boldly to the front. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

With the entire circumference surrounded by a sea of humanity, Bishnoi hung back, her hands clasped in front of her mouth, while Rai went and lofted the Wanamaker Trophy above his head. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

Meanwhile, their fathers hang back, observing, cracking wise about their teens' antics. — Natalie Escobar, NPR, 12 May 2026

The most recent Super Bowl-winning teams made dynamic moves, while the Bills continued to hang back. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hang back

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

hang back

verb

1

: to linger behind others

hung back to wait for the slower children

2

: to be unwilling to do something : hesitate

always hangs back when everyone else is dancing