dangle
Americanverb (used without object)
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to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion.
The rope dangled in the breeze.
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to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.
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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)
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to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.
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to offer as an inducement.
noun
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the act of dangling.
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something that dangles.
idioms
verb
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to hang or cause to hang freely
his legs dangled over the wall
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(tr) to display as an enticement
the hope of a legacy was dangled before her
noun
Other Word Forms
- dangler noun
- danglingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of dangle
1580–90; expressive word akin to Norwegian, Swedish dangla, Danish dangle dangle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some states in the PJM region, especially Virginia and Illinois, have dangled tax breaks to attract data centers.
It recently revamped its program, introducing a three-tier structure that offers ways to earn points faster, but also dangles exclusive merchandise and curated experiences for its top-tier members.
From Barron's
Pearls dangle at the ends of her pendant earrings, and three separate necklaces—studded, we think, with emeralds—draw the eye to her creamy neck.
Lucas, meanwhile, dangled his idea for “Raiders of the Lost Ark” before Spielberg’s eyes, then told him that Philip Kaufman had dibs.
From Los Angeles Times
Bird feeders of every shape and color dangle from the awning, and a faded porch swing rocks in the breeze.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
