dangle

[ dang-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, dan·gled, dan·gling.

1. to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion:

   The rope dangled in the breeze.

   Synonyms: flap, sway, swing

2. to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.
3. Grammar. to occur as a modifier without a head or as a participle without an implied subject, as leaving the tunnel in The daylight was blinding, leaving the tunnel.

verb (used with object)

, dan·gled, dan·gling.

1. to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.
2. to offer as an inducement.

noun

1. the act of dangling.
2. something that dangles.

dangle

/ ˈdæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to hang or cause to hang freely

   his legs dangled over the wall

2. tr to display as an enticement

   the hope of a legacy was dangled before her

noun

1. the act of dangling or something that dangles

Derived Forms

• ˈdangler, noun
• ˈdanglingly, adverb

Other Words From

• dangler noun
• dangling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dangle¹

1580–90; expressive word akin to Norwegian, Swedish dangla, Danish dangle dangle

Word History and Origins

Origin of dangle¹

C16: perhaps from Danish dangle, probably of imitative origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. keep someone dangling, to keep someone in a state of uncertainty.

Example Sentences

They were just a useful punching bag for fascist leaders, who needed a hate object to dangle in front of their deluded supporters.

From Salon

Jim Dangle, his character from “Reno 911.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now why would the world’s richest man concoct such a strangely designed game of chance and dangle instant-millionaire status before registered voters?

From Los Angeles Times

My trail runners dangle from my backpack, tied in a double-knot; I’m barefoot on my quest to hike 20 miles of the surprisingly rugged Southern California coastline from Laguna Beach to San Clemente.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to hosting musical acts such as Griz, Diplo, Frances Mercier, Maddy O’Neal, Monolink and Random Rab, each level of the tower featured bedecked nooks and crannies in which to dance, lounge, snuggle, dangle and sip.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• droop
• flap
• hang
• sling
• sway
• swing