Definition of "hang on"

hang on

verb
third-person singular simple present hangs on, present participle hanging on, simple past and past participle hung on
1. (chiefly imperative) To wait a moment.
2. To hold, grasp, or grip.
  Quotations
  "If you'll come along, then hang on!" said Hans, and the man had to hang on and limp along on one leg, whether he would or no; and when he tried to tear himself loose, he made it still worse for himself, for he was very nearly falling on his back whenever he struggled to get free.
  1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 271
  Old Applegate, in the stern, just set and looked at me, and Lord James, amidship, waved both arms and kept hollering for help. I took a couple of everlasting big strokes and managed to grab hold of the skiff's rail, close to the stern. Then, for a jiffy, I hung on and fought for breath.
  1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 7, in Mr. Pratt's Patients
3. To keep; to store something for someone.
4. To pay close attention to, or regard with (possibly obsequious) admiration.
5. To continually believe in something; to have faith in.
6. To persevere.
  Quotations
  It's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spend it with you / Such a perfect day you just keep me hanging on / You just keep me hanging on
  1972, Lou Reed (lyrics and music), “Perfect Day”
  Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
  1973, “Time”, in The Dark Side of the Moon, performed by Pink Floyd
7. To depend upon.
8. To weigh down or oppress.

Definition of "hang on"

hang on

verb

Quotations

Quotations