Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of suspending something from above: "Hanging" refers to the action of attaching an object so it is supported from above and can move freely.
   • A method of execution: "Hanging" is a form of capital punishment where a person is suspended by the neck until dead.
   • A decorative fabric for walls or windows: "Hanging" (often plural: hangings) refers to a piece of fabric, like a tapestry or curtain, used as a wall decoration or window covering.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hanging of the new sign took all morning. (The act of suspending the sign was the morning's task.)
  • Hanging was once a common form of punishment. (Execution by suspension from the neck was historically common.)
  • The medieval hall was adorned with colorful hangings. (The hall was decorated with wall tapestries.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hanging committee": A group responsible for selecting and arranging artworks for an exhibition.
  • The artist submitted her painting for review by the hanging committee.

Variants and Related Words

• Hang (verb): To suspend or be suspended from above.
  • Please hang your coat on the hook.
• Hanger (noun): An object used for hanging clothes.
  • She put the dress on a wooden hanger.

Synonyms

• Suspension: The act of hanging something.
• Execution: Carrying out a death sentence (specifically for the punishment sense).
• Drapery: Cloth arranged in folds (similar to the decorative sense).

Related Phrases

• Hanging in the balance: In an uncertain state; awaiting a decisive outcome.
  • The fate of the project is hanging in the balance until the board votes.
• Hanging by a thread: In a very precarious or dangerous situation.
  • After the injury, his career was hanging by a thread.

Noun

1. the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
   • there was a small ceremony for the hanging of the portrait
2. a form of capital punishment; victim is suspended by the neck from a gallows or gibbet until dead
   • in those days the hanging of criminals was a public entertainment
3. decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
   • the cold castle walls were covered with hangings