hitch

/hitʃ/

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The word "hitch" can be used both as a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings depending on the context. Let’s break it down in an easy-to-understand way.

Noun Meanings:

1. Uneven Walking: "Hitch" can refer to a way of walking that is not smooth, often because of an injury. For example, if someone hurts their leg, they might walk with a hitch.

   • Example: "After she twisted her ankle, she walked with a noticeable hitch."

2. Obstruction or Burden: It can also mean something that blocks progress or makes a situation more difficult.

   • Example: "There was a hitch in our plans when the car broke down."

3. Temporary Knot: A "hitch" is a type of knot that can be easily undone by pulling it.

   • Example: "He tied the rope with a hitch so he could quickly release it later."

4. Connection for Vehicles: In vehicles, a hitch is the part that connects a trailer to a car.

   • Example: "Make sure you securely attach the hitch before towing the trailer."

5. Unforeseen Obstacle: It can describe something unexpected that slows you down.

   • Example: "The project hit a hitch when we ran out of materials."

6. Period of Inactivity: It can refer to a pause or break in activity.

   • Example: "There was a hitch in the meeting when the lights went out."

Verb Meanings:

1. To Connect: As a verb, "hitch" means to connect something to a vehicle, like a trailer.

   • Example: "We need to hitch the trailer to the truck before we leave."

2. Getting Free Rides: It can mean to travel by asking others for rides, often called "hitchhiking."

   • Example: "He decided to hitch his way across the country."

3. Jumping: To "hitch" can also mean to jump with your legs straight and your back arched.

   • Example: "The horse hitched up when it saw the jump."

4. Impeded Walking: To walk in a way that is difficult due to an injury or limitation.

   • Example: "He hitched along the path, struggling with his sore leg."

5. Hook or Entangle: It can mean to catch or get stuck.

   • Example: "Her dress hitched on the fence and wouldn't come loose."

Advanced Usage:

• Military Service: "Hitch" can refer to a period of service in the military.
  • Example: "He completed his hitch and returned home."

Word Variants:

• Hitching (verb form): The present participle, used for actions happening now.
  • Example: "She is hitching the boat to the car."

Synonyms:

• For "obstruction": obstacle, hindrance, snag.
• For "knot": tie, knot, loop.
• For "connect": attach, link.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Hitch a ride: To get a free ride from someone.

  • Example: "Can I hitch a ride with you to the concert?"

• Hitch one's wagon to a star: To have big ambitions or goals.

  • Example: "He decided to hitch his wagon to a star by starting his own business."

Summary:

The word "hitch" has various meanings, both in noun and verb forms. It can describe a way of walking, an obstacle, a knot, a connection for vehicles, or even a period of inactivity. As a verb, it can mean to connect something, travel by getting rides, or jump in a specific way.

Academic

Noun

1. the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
3. a knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it; a temporary knot
4. a connection between a vehicle and the load that it pulls
5. an unforeseen obstacle
6. the state of inactivity following an interruption
   • the negotiations were in arrest
   • held them in check
   • during the halt he got some lunch
   • the momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow
   • he spent the entire stop in his seat
7. a period of time spent in military service

Verb

1. connect to a vehicle: "hitch the trailer to the car"
2. travel by getting free rides from motorists
3. jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched
   • the yung filly bucked
4. walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
   • The old woman hobbles down to the store every day
5. to hook or entangle
   • One foot caught in the stirrup

Synonyms

• hobble
• limp
• hindrance
• hinderance
• preventive
• preventative
• encumbrance
• incumbrance
• interference
• hang-up
• rub
• snag
• arrest
• check
• halt
• stay
• stop
• stoppage
• enlistment
• term of enlistment
• tour of duty
• duty tour
• tour
• hitchhike
• thumb
• buck
• jerk
• gimp
• catch