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

The owner often dangles a never-fulfilled promise of helping his undocumented staffers get their papers as a way to keep them working.

From Los Angeles Times

We can already see the impact of the previous election cycles, where Republicans dangled trans people out as a hate object for their followers.

From Salon

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

That my press credential dangled from a string around my neck and came to rest on my breasts made all the difference.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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