hang

To attach something above the ground so it is supported from above or by one side.

• Hang your coat here.
• I hung a picture above the bed.
• Where should we hang the curtains?

How to use it: hang something on something (Hang your coat on that hook.); hang something from something (We hung decorations from the ceiling.)

Similar words: suspend, put up

Common phrases: hang a picture, hang something up, hang on something, hang a door

To stay attached to something above, with no support underneath.

• A picture hangs on the wall.
• The lights hung above our table.
• Wet clothes were hanging from the line.

How to use it: hang from something (A lamp hangs from the ceiling.); hang on something (Her coat hung on a hook.)

Similar words: dangle, be suspended

Common phrases: hang from something, hang on something, hang above something

To kill someone by putting a rope around their neck and leaving their body unsupported.

• They hanged the prisoner at dawn.
• The king ordered the soldiers to hang him.
• She was sentenced to be hanged.

How to use it: be hanged for something (He was hanged for murder.)

Similar words: execute by hanging

Common phrases: hang a prisoner, hang for murder

The way a piece of clothing or cloth falls when supported from above.

• This skirt has a lovely hang.
• The heavy fabric improved the hang of the curtains.
• The tailor checked the jacket’s hang.

How to use it: the hang of something (I like the hang of this skirt.)

Similar words: drape

Common phrases: hang of something, a good hang

Even a tiny amount of care or interest, usually in negative expressions.

• I don’t give a hang.
• She never cared a hang about fashion.
• They don’t give a hang what anyone thinks.

How to use it: not give/care a hang about something (He does not give a hang about their opinions.)

Similar words: damn

Common phrases: give a hang, care a hang