hang-up

or hang·up

[ hang-uhp ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a preoccupation, fixation, or psychological block; complex:

   His hang-up is trying to outdo his brother.

2. a source of annoying difficulty or burden; impediment; snag:

   The most serious hang-up the project has is a shortage of funds.

3. a fixture, object, or decoration that can be affixed to a wall, ceiling, other objects, etc.:

   He brightened up the room with flower baskets and other hang-ups.

hang up

verb

1. tr to put on a hook, hanger, etc

   please hang up your coat

2. to replace (a telephone receiver) on its cradle at the end of a conversation, often breaking a conversation off abruptly
3. informal.
   tr; usually passiveusually foll byon to cause to have an emotional or psychological preoccupation or problem

   he's really hung up on his mother

noun

1. an emotional or psychological preoccupation or problem
2. a persistent cause of annoyance

Word History and Origins

Origin of hang-up¹

First recorded in 1955–60; noun use of verb phrase hang up

Example Sentences

They can dodge or prevaricate or just hang up when dealing with a voice on the phone.

From The Daily Beast

Everything is each and every time a conscious effort: hang up your clothes, etc.

From The Daily Beast

In both cases, when someone answered he was to blow three times into the mouthpiece, and then hang up.

From The Daily Beast

Without saying anything—she makes a slight face—she pushes the button to hang up the line.

From The Daily Beast

Lipa Schmeltzer's new song, "Hang Up The Phone," raises some important questions.

From The Daily Beast

Take blankets and beads to the Wyandots and watch them hang up white wampum.

From Project Gutenberg

That old fallen hickory will do for your dressing-room, and there are places to hang up your clothes.

From Project Gutenberg

If possible hang up a large picture of the "Return of the Mayflower," or other appropriate picture in the room.

From Project Gutenberg

In order that he might hang up his brother rioters, he was granted a pardon!

From Project Gutenberg

In a little time he called the landlord, and desired him to hang up the gun.

From Project Gutenberg