Definition of hang
Short definition: The word hang means to place something so it stays up in the air, like hanging a picture on a wall, and it can also mean staying somewhere without doing much, just spending time and relaxing.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word hang? The word hang is very common in daily English and has many different meanings. Sometimes it talks about something being suspended in the air, sometimes about spending time with friends, and sometimes about waiting or staying in a situation longer than expected. In modern English, hang is also widely used as slang, especially among young people. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.
Forms: hang, hangs, hung, hanging
Related: hanger n., hanging n.
Syllable: hang
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(Verb) To place or leave something so it is supported from above and stays in the air.
To hang something means to attach it so it is held up by the top part and stays in the air instead of resting on the ground, such as hanging a picture on the wall, hanging clothes in a closet, or hanging lights for decoration.
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(Verb) To spend time relaxing with someone in a casual and friendly way.
In informal English, to hang with someone means to spend time together in a relaxed way, such as chatting, watching movies, or just enjoying each other’s company without any serious plan.
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(Verb) To stay or remain in a place longer than expected.
To hang somewhere can also mean to stay around instead of leaving quickly, such as hanging at a shop after closing time or hanging in the office while waiting for someone.
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(Verb) To be undecided or delayed, as if something has not moved forward yet.
Hang can describe a situation where progress feels slow or paused, such as when a decision hangs in the air or a plan hangs because people are not ready to move forward.
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(Verb) To end someone’s life as a punishment, used in historical or serious contexts.
In old or formal usage, to hang means to kill someone by tying a rope around their neck and letting them drop, a punishment once used for serious crimes and now mostly talked about in history books or serious discussions.
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(Slang) To spend time together in a very casual way, often with no plan and just going with the flow.
In modern slang, hang is often short for hang out, meaning to chill with friends, talk, laugh, scroll on phones together, or simply be in the same place enjoying each other’s company without doing anything special.
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(Slang) To deal with something emotionally or mentally, especially when life feels heavy.
People sometimes say they are “just hanging” to mean they are surviving emotionally, getting through the day, and doing their best even when things feel stressful or overwhelming.
