DictionaryhangLingering presence
verb / noun

hang

To remain in place without proceeding.

The smell of burnt toast hangs in the kitchen.

Etymology

The suspended position supplies an image of interrupted progress. Something that hangs remains unresolved or stops advancing, as if held without reaching its next resting point.

More examples

  • The app hangs whenever I open a large file.
  • A system hang forces me to restart the computer.
  • Please hang on while I find my keys.

Forms

hang · hangs · hung · hanging

Similar words

linger
Emphasizes remaining longer than expected, rather than stopped progress.
stall
Emphasizes interrupted progress rather than a continuing presence.
wait
Usually suggests staying until something happens, rather than becoming unresponsive.