overhang
/'ouvəhæɳ/
Definition
Noun:
- A projection that extends beyond or hangs over something else. This refers to a physical part of a structure or object that protrudes outward and is not directly supported from below at its outermost point.
Verb:
- To project or extend over and beyond something, so that the upper part is positioned directly above a lower part or space.
- To be suspended over or hang over something, often implying a sense of threat or looming presence.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The overhang of the roof provided shelter from the rain.
- Be careful not to hit your head on the rocky overhang.
Verb:
- The balcony overhangs the garden below.
- A sense of dread overhung the entire proceedings.
Advanced Usage
- "to overhang a market" (Financial/Economic Context): Refers to a situation where a large, known quantity of a security (like shares) is available for sale, which threatens to depress the market price if it is all sold.
- The stock's price was low due to a large overhang of shares from the recent merger.
Variants and Related Words
Overhanging (Adjective/Verb form): Describing something that projects or hangs over.
- The overhanging branches brushed against the window.
Overhung (Past tense and past participle of the verb):
- The cliff had overhung the village for centuries.
Synonyms
- Noun: Projection, ledge, bulge, eave.
- Verb: Project, jut out, beetle, loom, impend.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
(Note: "Overhang" is not commonly used in separable phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb form.)
Related Idioms
- "To hang over someone's head": This idiom shares the figurative sense of "overhang," meaning something threatening or worrisome is impending.
- The deadline is hanging over my head. (Compare to: The deadline overhangs me.)
Noun
-
projection that extends beyond or hangs over something else
Verb
-
be suspended over or hang over
-
This huge rock beetles over the edge of the town
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-
project over
