hang
UK[hæŋ]US[hæŋ]
v
To attach something at the top so that its lower part is free.
v
To kill someone by tying a rope around their neck and removing the support from beneath their feet.
v
To remain in the air or stay in a particular position.
v
To spend time relaxing or socializing in a place.
Etymology
The word 'hang' originates from the Old English verb 'hōn' (to hang, suspend) and its causative form 'hangian' (to cause to hang). These derive from the Proto-Germanic root hanhaną, which carried the core meaning of suspension. This Germanic root is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root ḱenk-, meaning 'to hang' or 'to be suspended'. The semantic journey is remarkably direct, with the core concept of suspension remaining stable from its ancient Indo-European ancestor through its evolution in the Germanic languages into modern English. The word's meaning branched out metaphorically from physical suspension to include execution by hanging, lingering in the air, and informally, spending time in a place.
Analysis
The word 'hang' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a verb in its base form.
Examples
She asked me to hang the picture on the wall.
The mist seemed to hang in the valley all morning.
We used to hang out at the library after school.