hang up
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To end a telephone call by replacing the receiver on its cradle or by pressing the end-call button.
- To suspend or place something on a hook, hanger, or other support.
Usage
- The primary meaning is to end a telephone call. It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., "hang up the phone" or "hang the phone up").
- The secondary meaning is to suspend an object. This usage is often followed by "on" (e.g., hang up a hook).
Examples
Verb (Ending a call):
- She was so angry she hung up on me.
- Please don't hang up; I need to ask you one more question.
- He hung up the phone after saying goodbye.
Verb (Suspending an object):
- You should hang up your coat in the closet.
- I hung the picture up in the living room.
Advanced Usage
"to hang up on someone": To end a telephone call abruptly and often rudely while the other person is still talking.
- It's impolite to hang up on someone during an argument.
"to hang up one's hat/boots" (idiom): To retire from a profession or activity, especially in sports.
- After twenty seasons, the legendary quarterback decided to hang up his boots.
Variants and Related Words
Hang-up (noun): An emotional or psychological problem or inhibition.
- He has a hang-up about public speaking.
Hanger (noun): A shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal with a hook, used for hanging clothes.
Synonyms
- Ring off (verb): To end a telephone call (primarily British English).
- Suspend (verb): To attach something so it is supported from above.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Hang on: To wait, especially on the telephone.
- Hang on a moment, I'll get him for you.
Hang out: To spend time relaxing or socializing informally.
- We like to hang out at the cafe.
Related Idioms
- Hang in there: An expression of encouragement to persist despite difficulties.
- I know it's tough, but just hang in there.
Verb
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interrupt a telephone conversation
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cause to be hanging or suspended
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Hang that picture on the wall
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put a telephone receiver back in its cradle