hang-on

[ hang-on, -awn ]

noun

1. something easily attached to or mounted on another surface or object, as a turbocharger or transceiver in an automobile, a unit suspendable from shelving, or a portable soap dish.

adjective

1. pertaining to or denoting such an attachment:

   A clumsy hang-on unit supplied the air conditioning.

hang on

verb

1. adverb to continue or persist in an activity, esp with effort or difficulty

   hang on at your present job until you can get another

2. adverb to cling, grasp, or hold

   she hangs on to her mother's arm

3. preposition to be conditioned or contingent on; depend on

   everything hangs on this business deal

4. Alsohang ontohang upon preposition to listen attentively to

   she hung on his every word

5. informal.
   adverb to wait or remain

   hang on for a few minutes

Word History and Origins

Origin of hang-on¹

Noun, adj. use of verb phrase hang on

Example Sentences

The reckoning that needed to happen by the media in its normalizing of this man will now be replaced by the effort to hang on for dear life as the retribution begins.

From Salon

How can I hang on to dreams in my work, and make peace with the reality in my life?

From Salon

The headlines and dramas generated by his online views reinforced not only his high celebrity status - but also how keen the BBC was to hang on to him.

From BBC

The Minnesota Vikings dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars but could not score a touchdown and had to hang on for an ugly 12-7 win in the end.

From BBC

The visitors were hanging on, but hang on they did.

From BBC

Related Words

• cling
• go on
• grasp
• hold on
• hold out
• persevere
• persist