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

Examples of hang-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb If you are told to press a button to be removed from the call list, hang up. — Zachary Smith, cleveland, 23 July 2022 The only criteria: Deals have to adhere to actual salary cap rules, and must be quasi-realistic enough that a general manager or president of basketball ops might not laugh and hang up immediately. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 June 2022 Remove clutter near the door and make room for guests to kick off shoes and hang up coats. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2021 Datro, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, said he’s excited to hang up his badge but continue influencing police as a civilian employee. — oregonlive, 14 July 2022 At 32, Fama is about to hang up her softball cleats. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, 11 July 2022 Grey's Anatomy just celebrated its 400th episode, but the stars of the ABC medical drama aren't exactly itching to hang up their scrubs just yet. — Scott Huver, PEOPLE.com, 6 May 2022 An old diving school where divers would hang up their flippers for the night before heading out to sea in the morning, the building was left empty for years before Greg came upon it. — Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 25 June 2022 But there’s reason to believe the Flash can keep running, even if Miller has to hang up their shoes. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 June 2022 See More

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.