Ask Difference

Hang vs. Hover — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
Hang" typically means to suspend something from above, while "Hover" means to remain in one place in the air.

Difference Between Hang and Hover

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Key Differences

"Hang" can also imply consequences or outcomes, especially in idiomatic expressions like “hang in the balance,” denoting uncertainty or lack of resolution. This usage suggests a state of suspense or tension, often reflecting impending results or judgments. Meanwhile, "Hover" can portray attentiveness or watchfulness, as in “hovering over someone,” indicating close monitoring or supervision, usually suggesting protectiveness or scrutiny.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
"Hang" and "Hover" are verbs that describe different actions, each with its unique applications and implications. "Hang" primarily refers to the action of suspending something from above with the lower part dangling free, often used to depict the method of attaching or positioning objects like pictures on a wall or clothes on a hanger. Conversely, "Hover" signifies the action of remaining in one place in the air, typically used to describe the behavior of birds, insects, helicopters, or drones, staying afloat in the air, usually at a consistent altitude.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Understanding the distinct meanings and applications of "Hang" and "Hover" is crucial for their accurate use in language. While "Hang" illustrates suspension, often symbolizing stillness, dependency, or consequence, "Hover" represents sustained presence in the air, embodying motion, balance, control, and sometimes, uncertainty or attentiveness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
When objects "Hang," they are typically stationary, suspended from a higher point, showcasing a state of inactivity or stillness unless acted upon by external forces like wind. They are dependent on a support from above, like a branch or a hook, to remain in position. In contrast, objects or beings that "Hover" exhibit motion, maintaining their position in the air through continuous effort or propulsion, depicting a state of balance between opposing forces, like lift and gravity, often implying a sense of control and stability.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
The word "Hang" has varied applications and can also denote a specific way of being positioned or a particular state of existence, like in phrases “hang loose” or “let it all hang out,” expressing a sense of relaxation or freedom. "Hover," on the other hand, can also imply a state of indecision or uncertainty, as in “hovering between options,” reflecting a sense of being unsettled or unresolved, often symbolizing tension or anticipation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Meaning

To suspend from above with the lower part dangling free.
To remain in one place in the air.
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Oct 03, 2023

Implication

Stationary, dependent on support from above.
In motion, maintaining position through continuous effort.
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Oct 03, 2023

Symbolism

Often symbolizes stillness, dependency, or consequence.
Often symbolizes balance, control, and sometimes, uncertainty or attentiveness.
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Oct 03, 2023

Idiomatic Usage

Can imply consequences or outcomes and denote a specific way of being positioned.
Can imply a state of indecision or uncertainty and portray attentiveness or watchfulness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Application

Used to depict the method of attaching or positioning objects.
Used to describe the behavior of beings or objects staying afloat in the air.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Definitions

Hang

To suspend or be suspended from above with the lower part dangling free.
The picture will hang on the living room wall.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hover

To remain in an uncertain state.
He continues to hover between hope and despair.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hang

To execute by suspending by the neck.
In the past, criminals were often sentenced to hang.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hover

To place a computer cursor near something without clicking.
If you hover over the icon, you will see more information.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hang

To remain unresolved or uncertain.
The fate of the project seems to hang in the balance.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hover

To stay very close to someone, watching them.
The mother tends to hover over her child at the park.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hang

To fasten from above with no support from below; suspend
Hung the hat on a peg.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To be in a state of readiness or availability.
The lifeguard has to hover around the pool to ensure everyone's safety.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hang

To suspend or fasten so as to allow free movement at or about the point of suspension
Hang a door.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Remain in one place in the air
Army helicopters hovered overhead
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To execute by hanging
They hanged the prisoner at dawn.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

An act of remaining in the air in one place
Keep the model in a stable hover
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Used to express exasperation or disgust
I'll be hanged! Hang it all!.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To remain floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air
Gulls hovering over the waves.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To alter the hem of (a garment) so as to fall evenly at a specified height.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To remain or linger in or near a place
Hovering around the speaker's podium.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To furnish, decorate, or appoint by suspending objects around or about
Hang a room with curtains.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To remain in an uncertain state; waver
Hovered between anger and remorse.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To hold or incline downward; let droop
Hang one's head in sorrow.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(Computers) To position a pointer over an object or area of the screen, causing a pop-up box to appear or other change to occur
Hover over the image to display the filename.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Informal) To make (a turn in a specific direction)
At the next intersection, hang a right.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To cause to hover
The pilot hovered the helicopter a few feet above the icy river.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To attach to a wall
Hang wallpaper.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(Computers) To position (a pointer) over an object or area of the screen
Hovered the cursor over the link.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To display by attaching to a wall or other structure
Hung four new paintings in the foyer.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

The act or state of hovering
A helicopter in hover.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Informal) To give (a nickname or label) to someone.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(transitive)
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To deadlock (a jury) by failing to render a unanimous verdict.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To keep (something, such as an aircraft) in a stationary state in the air.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Baseball) To throw (a pitch) in such a manner as to fail to break.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Of a bird: to shelter (chicks) under its body and wings; (by extension) of a thing: to cover or surround (something).
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Computers) To cause (a computer system) to halt so that input devices, such as the keyboard or the mouse, do not function.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(obsolete) Of a bird or insect: to flap (its wings) so it can remain stationary in the air.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be attached from above with no support from below.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(intransitive)
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To die as a result of hanging.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To remain stationary or float in the air.
The hummingbird hovered by the plant.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To remain suspended or poised over a place or an object; hover
Rain clouds hanging low over the corn fields.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(figuratively)
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To attach oneself as a dependent or an impediment; cling.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(computing) Chiefly followed by over: to use a mouse or other device to place a cursor over something on a screen such as a hyperlink or icon without clicking, so as to produce a result (such as the appearance of a tooltip).
A tooltip appears when you hover over this link.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To incline downward; droop.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(nautical) To travel in a hovercraft as it moves above a water surface.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To depend
Everything hangs on the committee's decision.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

An act, or the state, of remaining stationary in the air or some other place.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To pay strict attention
A student who hangs on the professor's every word.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

A flock of birds fluttering in the air in one place.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To remain unresolved or uncertain
His future hung in the balance.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

(figuratively) An act, or the state, of being suspended; a suspension.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To fit the body in loose lines
A dress that hangs well.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

A cover; a protection; a shelter; specifically, an overhanging bank or stone under which fish can shelter; also, a shelter for hens brooding their eggs.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be on display, as in a gallery.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

A cover; a shelter; a protection.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Baseball) To fail to break or move in the intended way, as a curve ball.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To hang fluttering in the air, or on the wing; to remain in flight or floating about or over a place or object; to be suspended in the air above something.
Great flights of birds are hovering about the bridge, and settling on it.
A hovering mist came swimming o'er his sight.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be imminent; loom
The threat hanging over us.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To hang about; to move to and fro near a place, threateningly, watchfully, or irresolutely.
Agricola having sent his navy to hover on the coast.
Hovering o'er the paper with her quill.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be or become burdensome
Time hung heavy on my hands.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action;
He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Computers) To be halted, as a computer system, so that input devices do not function
The power surge caused my computer to hang, so I had to reboot it.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Move to and fro;
The shy student lingered in the corner
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To spend one's free time in a certain place. Often used with around or out
Liked to hang out at the pool hall.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Hang in the air; fly or be suspended above
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To pass time idly; loiter. Often used with around or out
Spent the evening hanging at home.
Hung out for an hour before going to the play.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Be suspended in the air, as if in defiance of gravity;
The guru claimed that he could levitate
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To keep company; see socially. Often used with around or out
Hangs around with kids from a different school.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

Hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing;
The terrible vision brooded over her all day long
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

The way in which something hangs.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hover

To remain in one place in the air.
The drone can hover steadily above the ground.
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Sep 26, 2023

Hang

A downward inclination or slope.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Particular meaning or significance.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(Informal) The proper method for doing, using, or handling something
Finally got the hang of it.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A suspension of motion; a slackening.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(intransitive) To be or remain suspended.
The lights hung from the ceiling.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(intransitive) To float, as if suspended.
The smoke hung in the room.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(intransitive) To veer in one direction.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To rebound unexpectedly or unusually slowly, due to backward spin on the ball or imperfections of the ground.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect.
He hung his head in shame.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To cause (something) to be suspended, as from a hook, hanger, hinges, or the like.
Hang those lights from the ceiling.
To hang a door
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To kill (someone) by suspension from the neck, usually as a form of execution or suicide. Category:en:Capital punishment
The culprits were hanged from the nearest tree.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be executed by suspension by one's neck from a gallows, a tree, or other raised bar, attached by a rope tied into a noose.
You will hang for this, my friend.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(used in maledictions) To damn.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To loiter; to hang around; to spend time idly.
I didn't see anything, officer. I was just hanging.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To exhibit (an object) by hanging.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To apply (wallpaper or drywall to a wall).
Let's hang this cute animal design in the nursery.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To decorate (something) with hanging objects.
Let's hang the nursery with some new wallpaper.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To remain persistently in one's thoughts.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(transitive) To prevent from reaching a decision, especially by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous.
One obstinate juror can hang a jury.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To stop responding to manual input devices such as the keyboard and mouse.
The computer has hung again. Not even pressing ++ works.
When I push this button the program hangs.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To cause (a program or computer) to stop responding.
The program has a bug that can hang the system.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To cause a piece to become vulnerable to capture.
If you move there, you'll hang your rook.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be vulnerable to capture.
In this standard opening position White has to be careful because the pawn on e4 hangs.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To throw a hittable off-speed pitch.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To attach or cause to stick (a charge or accusation, etc.).
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

The way in which something hangs.
This skirt has a nice hang.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A mass of hanging material.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A slackening of motion.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A sharp or steep declivity or slope.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(computing) An instance of ceasing to respond to input.
We sometimes get system hangs.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A grip, understanding.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

(colloquial)
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

The smallest amount of concern or consideration; a damn.
I don't give a hang.
They don't seem to care a hang about the consequences.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A hangout.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A person that someone hangs out with.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Cheap processed ham (cured pork), often made specially for sandwiches.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Alternative spelling of Hang
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To suspend; to fasten to some elevated point without support from below; - often used with up or out; as, to hang a coat on a hook; to hang up a sign; to hang out a banner.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To fasten in a manner which will allow of free motion upon the point or points of suspension; - said of a pendulum, a swing, a door, gate, etc.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To fit properly, as at a proper angle (a part of an implement that is swung in using), as a scythe to its snath, or an ax to its helve.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To put to death by suspending by the neck; - a form of capital punishment; as, to hang a murderer.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To cover, decorate, or furnish by hanging pictures, trophies, drapery, and the like, or by covering with paper hangings; - said of a wall, a room, etc.
Hung be the heavens with black.
And hung thy holy roofs with savage spoils.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To paste, as paper hangings, on the walls of a room.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect; to droop; as, he hung his head in shame.
Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To prevent from reaching a decision, esp. by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous; as, one obstinate juror can hang a jury.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be suspended or fastened to some elevated point without support from below; to dangle; to float; to rest; to remain; to stay.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be fastened in such a manner as to allow of free motion on the point or points of suspension.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To die or be put to death by suspension from the neck.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To hold for support; to depend; to cling; - usually with on or upon; as, this question hangs on a single point.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be, or be like, a suspended weight.
Life hangs upon me, and becomes a burden.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To hover; to impend; to appear threateningly; - usually with over; as, evils hang over the country.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To lean or incline; to incline downward.
To decide which way hung the victory.
His neck obliquely o'er his shoulder hung.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To slope down; as, hanging grounds.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To be undetermined or uncertain; to be in suspense; to linger; to be delayed.
A noble stroke he lifted high,Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fellOn the proud crest of Satan.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Of a ball: To rebound unexpectedly or unusually slowly, due to backward spin on the ball or imperfections of ground.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To fail to curve, break, or drop as intended; - said of pitches, such as curve balls or sliders.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To cease to operate normally and remain suspended in some state without performing useful work; - said of computer programs, computers, or individual processes within a program; as, when using Windows 3.1, my system would hang and need rebooting several times a day.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

The manner in which one part or thing hangs upon, or is connected with, another; as, the hang of a scythe.
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Hang

Connection; arrangement; plan; as, the hang of a discourse.
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A sharp or steep declivity or slope.
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Hang

A special way of doing something;
He had a bent for it
He had a special knack for getting into trouble
He couldn't get the hang of it
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

The way a garment hangs;
He adjusted the hang of his coat
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

A gymnastic exercise performed on the rings or horizontal bar or parallel bars when the gymnast's weight is supported by the arms
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Hang

Be suspended or hanging;
The flag hung on the wall
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Hang

Cause to be hanging or suspended;
Hang that picture on the wall
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Kill by hanging;
The murdered was hanged on Friday
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Let drop or droop;
Hang one's head in shame
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Fall or flow in a certain way;
This dress hangs well
Her long black hair flowed down her back
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Be menacing, burdensome, or oppressive;
This worry hangs on my mind
The cloud of suspicion hangs over her
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Give heed (to);
The children in the audience attended the recital quietly
She hung on his every word
They attended to everything he said
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Be suspended or poised;
Heavy fog hung over the valley
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Hang

Hold on tightly or tenaciously;
Hang on to your father's hands
The child clung to his mother's apron
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Hang

Be exhibited;
Picasso hangs in this new wing of the museum
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Hang

Prevent from reaching a verdict, of a jury
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Decorate or furnish with something suspended;
Hang wallpaper
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Be placed in position as by a hinge;
This cabinet door doesn't hang right!
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Place in position as by a hinge so as to allow free movement in one direction;
Hang a door
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

Of meat, in order to get a gamey taste;
Hang the venison for a few days
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Jan 29, 2023

Hang

To attach or place something so that it is held up from above.
He decided to hang his coat on the hook.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Hang

To spend time or linger in a place or with a person or group.
They usually hang at the coffee shop after classes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

FAQs

What does Hang primarily refer to?

Hang primarily refers to suspending something from above with the lower part dangling free.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

What is the meaning of Hover?

Hover means to remain in one place in the air, typically by beating the air with wings or by mechanical means.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Can Hang denote a specific way of being positioned?

Yes, Hang can denote a specific way of being positioned or a particular state of existence, often used idiomatically.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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