hang-up

noun

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\ ˈhaŋ-ˌəp

Definition of hang-up

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a source of mental or emotional difficulty broadly : problem

hang up

verb

hung up; hanging up; hangs up

Definition of hang up (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to place on a hook or hanger designed for the purpose hang up your coat

b : to replace (a telephone receiver) on the cradle so that the connection is broken

2 : to keep delayed, suspended, or held up

3 : to cause to stick or snag immovably the ship was hung up on a sandbar

intransitive verb

1 : to break a telephone connection

2 : to become stuck or snagged so as to be immovable

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About hang-up

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Synonyms for hang-up

Synonyms: Noun

Examples of hang-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Gymnastics has long been seen as a sport for the young, its grueling physical demands forcing most elite gymnasts to hang up their grips and leotards by their mid-20s. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 22 May 2021 And if someone starts asking you to pay for a car rental over the phone with a gift card, hang up. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 28 May 2021 When in doubt, hang up and call SRP directly at (602) 236-8888. — Olivia Munson, The Arizona Republic, 26 May 2021 Before the staffer can hang up, the caller has cursed at her several times. — Bradford Fitch, Star Tribune, 17 May 2021 Businesses large and small are grappling with how to adapt to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's surprise guidance on Thursday that Americans who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can hang up their masks. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 16 May 2021 One of those nine players from the 2014 squad was Riley Nicholson, an all-state linebacker who played at NC State until concussions forced him to hang up football in 2017. — Chris Hays, orlandosentinel.com, 4 May 2021 Pull your sunglasses out and get ready to hang up your jackets. — Mckenna Oxenden, baltimoresun.com, 7 Mar. 2021 This is not the first time Cohen promised to hang up Borat's standard gray suit and highlighter-green mankini for good. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hang-up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.