Hang Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ชข
hang
[hรฆล ]
Definitions
on the wall
To attach or suspend something from above, especially in a way that allows it to move freely.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hang |
Use 'hang' for describing placing objects such as pictures, clothes, or decorations on a wall or another support. It can also describe the act of killing someone by hanging.
|
| suspend |
'Suspend' is suited for describing something that is hanging in a way that it prevents it from touching anything below or when temporarily stopping something. It is more formal.
|
| dangle |
'Dangle' applies when something is hanging loosely and swinging freely. It often implies motion and can sometimes have a playful or casual connotation.
|
| fasten |
'Fasten' is used when securing something firmly in place. This involves making sure something is firmly tied, closed, or attached.
|
Examples of usage
- I decided to hang my new painting on the wall.
- She hung the curtains in the living room.
- The chandelier hung from the ceiling.
to be executed
To kill someone by tying a rope attached from above around their neck and removing the support from beneath them.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hang |
Suspending a person by a rope tied around their neck until they die. Often used in historical or legal contexts.
|
| execute |
Carrying out a death sentence, typically by an authorized legal method. It can involve various methods, not just hanging.
|
| lynch |
Killing someone, especially by hanging, without legal trial, often by a mob. It carries a strong negative connotation and is associated with racial violence.
|
| noose |
Referring to the loop at the end of a rope used for hanging people. It can also metaphorically indicate a situation where someone is trapped or in great danger.
|
Examples of usage
- The criminal was sentenced to hang for his crimes.
- In the past, people were often hanged for theft.
a place for execution
A structure used for execution by hanging.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hang |
Used when speaking about the act of suspending something or someone in the air. It can be related to executions or just everyday activities like hanging a picture.
|
| gallows |
Refers to the structure used specifically for hanging people as a form of execution. It has a historical and often negative connotation.
|
| scaffold |
A temporary platform used in construction or for executions. When related to executions, it generally refers to the whole setup including the platform and structure for hanging.
|
| noose |
Describes the loop at the end of a rope that tightens when pulled, often associated with hanging. It has a strong negative connotation related to executions and lynchings.
|
Examples of usage
- The old prison still has the gallows where hangings took place.
- They visited the site of the historic hang.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- 'Hang 'Em High' is a famous Western film from 1968 that highlights themes of justice and morality.
- The phrase โhang in the balanceโ is often used in stories to describe a situation filled with uncertainty.
- In music, the song 'Hang on' has been a popular theme, conveying messages of hope and perseverance.
Science
- Hanging objects adhere to the laws of gravity, which is why heavier items tend to need stronger supports.
- In physics, hanging systems can be illustrated through pendulum movement, which showcases swings and arcs.
- The way certain things hang can affect their temperature, like how clothes dry faster when hung outside to air out in the wind.
History
- In the Middle Ages, hanging was a common form of execution, reflecting the serious consequences of law by the state.
- Hangings were sometimes public events, drawing crowds to witness punishment and justice.
- Different cultures have practiced varying forms of hanging, from symbolic gestures in rituals to literal interpretations in justice.
Psychology
- 'Hanging out' is a colloquial term referring to spending casual time with friends, contributing to social bonding.
- The concept of letting something hang can invoke feelings of suspense or anxiety in individuals, often used in storytelling to engage an audience.
- People may feel a sense of relief when they 'hang up' a stressful conversation, signifying the end of a challenging exchange.
Origin of 'hang'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hang' comes from the Old English 'hangian', which meant to suspend or to attach.
- In the past, this word was also used alongside several other languages, showing how people used to describe the action of hanging things.
- The original meaning involved not just suspension, but also carrying something around in a manner that resembled hanging.
The word 'hang' has a long history, dating back to Old English. It originally meant to be attached or suspended from above. Over time, it also came to be associated with execution by hanging. The word has evolved to have both literal and metaphorical meanings, reflecting its dual nature as both a verb describing physical action and a noun describing a structure used for execution.
See also: hanging, hangings, hangman, hangout, overhang, overhanging.