Hangings: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is generally used to describe a decorative fabric or other material that hangs from walls or ceilings. It carries an artistic or aesthetic nuance.

• The medieval castle was adorned with luxurious tapestries and hangings

Refers to pieces of fabric used to cover windows and manage natural light, often for privacy. Used in both home and professional settings.

• She pulled back the curtains to let in the morning sunlight

Similar to draperies but can also refer to any long curtains. It is a more casual term and can be used in everyday contexts.

• She chose a soft, neutral color for the drapes in her living room

Used to refer to heavy, formal or decorative curtains, often with pleats and ornate designs. Common in upscale or traditional decor.

• The opulent draperies added a sense of elegance to the grand ballroom

Refers specifically to execution by hanging. This term is often used to describe historical forms of execution where an individual is put to death by suspending them by the neck.

• The infamous Salem witch trials involved the hangings of several alleged witches

A general term for putting someone to death as a legal penalty, regardless of the method used. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• The prisoner faced execution for his crimes

Refers to extrajudicial killings, typically by a mob and usually by hanging. This term has a strong historical and racial connotation, particularly in the context of racial violence in the United States. It carries a very negative connotation.

• Many innocent people were victims of lynchings during the dark periods of racial violence in American history

A broader term encompassing all forms of state-sanctioned execution. This includes lethal injection, electric chair, firing squad, gas chamber, and hanging. Generally used in legal or formal contexts.

• The debate over the morality and legality of capital punishment continues to this day