hang-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈhaŋ-ˌəp 

: a source of mental or emotional difficulty

broadly : problem

hang up

2 of 2

verb

hung up; hanging up; hangs up

transitive verb

1

a

: to place on a hook or hanger designed for the purpose

hang up your coat

b

: to replace (a telephone receiver) on the cradle so that the connection is broken

2

: to keep delayed, suspended, or held up

3

: to cause to stick or snag immovably

the ship was hung up on a sandbar

intransitive verb

1

: to break a telephone connection

2

: to become stuck or snagged so as to be immovable

Synonyms

Noun

• affliction
• demon
• daemon
• terror
• torment

Examples of hang-up in a Sentence

Noun

low self-esteem is only one of his many hang-ups

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bregman's preference for a long-term deal reportedly has been a hang-up in negotiations, including those with the Boston Red Sox, one of the favorites to land the 30-year-old. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

There is certainly intrigue, but the hang-ups over her own ability to engage in love slows things down. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

If uncertain, hang up, research the legitimate number of the business in question, and then call back. —Denver Post, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025

In a scene where she is shown hanging up posters call for the release of the hostages, Messing expresses surprise more people did not join the cause. —Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

hang-up

1 of 2 noun

ˈhaŋ-ˌəp

: a source of mental or emotional difficulty

hang up

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)haŋ-ˈəp

1

a

: to place on a hook or hanger

hang up your coat

b

: to replace a telephone receiver on the cradle so that the connection is broken

also : to end a telephone conversation

2

: to snag or cause to snag so as to be immovable

a boat hung up on rocks