hangs
|hangs|
/hæŋ/
(hang)
suspension
Etymology
'hang' originates from Proto-Germanic, specifically the word '*hangą' (or root '*hang-'), where the root meant 'to hang, to suspend'.
'hang' changed from Old English words such as 'hængan' (verb) and forms like 'hangian', and eventually became the modern English word 'hang' (with related forms producing 'hangs', 'hung', etc.).
Initially, it meant 'to suspend or be suspended'; over time it extended to related senses such as 'execute by suspension', 'remain in the air', and informal senses like 'freeze' (of machines).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'hang': to attach or suspend (something) from above so that it dangles or is displayed.
She hangs the painting on the wall every spring.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'hang': (intransitive) to remain suspended or lingering in a place (often used with adverbials of place or condition).
Dark clouds hangs over the valley this morning.
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Verb 3
third-person singular present of 'hang': to put someone to death by suspension by the neck (to execute by hanging).
At that time the court hangs traitors for high treason.
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Verb 4
third-person singular present of 'hang': (informal, of machines or software) to stop responding, freeze.
Whenever she opens that program, her computer hangs.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 16:38