HANGED Meaning and
Definition
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"Hanged" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "hang." It is primarily used to refer to the act of suspending or causing someone to be suspended from a rope or other similar device, leading to their death. When a person is hanged, they are typically executed by this method as a form of capital punishment. The act involves securing a rope around the neck of the individual and then suspending them from a fixed point, such as a gallows or a tree. This form of punishment has been historically used in numerous cultures and societies as a means of carrying out legal sentences for severe crimes.
Apart from its specific usage in the context of executions, "hanged" can also have general meanings related to suspending or fastening objects or items. For instance, it can describe the action of hanging clothes on a line to dry, hanging a picture frame on a wall, or hanging up a coat on a hook. In these cases, the term typically does not imply the act of causing harm or death and is used to describe a more benign action of securing or suspending something in a particular manner.
While "hanged" is commonly used to denote the act of executing someone by suspension, it is important to differentiate it from "hung," which is used to describe the general act of suspending or fastening objects without the connotation of death or execution.
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Note.-When reference is made to the punishment of death, hang, hanging, hanged, are the words employed, and not hang and hung.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HANGED *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HANGED
Etymology of HANGED
The word hanged comes from the Old English word hangian, which meant to hang. The past tense and past participle of hang in Old English was hangode, but over time, the -ode ending was dropped, and hanged became the standard form for referring to executions by hanging. This linguistic evolution distinguishes between the verb hang in general, which uses the regular past tense hung (e.g., I hung the picture on the wall), and the specific context of hanging someone by the neck until dead, expressed by the term hanged.
Idioms with the word HANGED
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I'll be hanged if...
The idiom "I'll be hanged if..." is an emphatic expression used to convey absolute certainty or determination about something. It implies a solemn promise or a strong assertion that what is being said or done will happen, regardless of any obstacles or doubts.
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I'm hanged if I know, at I'll be hanged if I know
The idiom "I'm hanged if I know" (or the similar expression "I'll be hanged if I know") is used to convey a sense of uncertainty or bewilderment. It implies that the speaker has no idea or cannot provide an answer to a question or inquiry. The phrase originates from the idea of being metaphorically "hanged," suggesting that the speaker would rather face punishment or execution than having to offer a response due to their lack of knowledge.
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I'll be hanged if I know
The idiom "I'll be hanged if I know" is a phrase used to express total perplexity or ignorance about something. It signifies that the speaker has no knowledge or understanding of a certain situation or topic. The phrase is often used humorously or in a self-deprecating manner.
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I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb.
The idiom "I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb" is an expression that suggests that if one is already facing severe consequences for a particular action or decision, they might as well go all the way and take even greater risks or make more significant choices. It implies that since the outcome will be unfavorable regardless, there is no further harm in pursuing bigger gains or risks. In other words, if someone is going to be punished for a lesser offense, they might as well commit a more serious one, as the consequences will be similar.
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Little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape
The idiom "Little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape" implies that those who commit small crimes or offenses are more likely to be punished, while those who commit significant or elaborate offenses often manage to avoid punishment or consequences. It suggests that the justice system often focuses on lesser crimes and lets major offenders go unpunished.
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I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is going to be punished or face consequences for a certain action, it would be better to go all out and commit a bigger offense with potentially greater rewards or benefits rather than settling for something smaller. It implies an attitude of taking risks or embracing the possibility of severe consequences while pursuing an objective.
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hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be
The idiom "hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be" means that if one is going to be punished or face consequences for a minor offense, they might as well commit a more significant offense as the punishment will be similar. It suggests that since the outcome will be negative regardless, one might as well take whatever action they desire without worrying about the consequences.
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I'll be hanged if I (do something)
The idiom "I'll be hanged if I (do something)" is an expression used to convey a strong determination or assurance that one will not do a particular thing under any circumstances. It implies a sense of defiance or refusal to comply with a request, often in a humorous or emphatic manner. The phrase carries a figurative meaning rather than a literal reference to being hanged.
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I'm hanged if I know!
The expression "I'm hanged if I know!" is an idiomatic phrase used to convey one's complete ignorance or lack of knowledge about a particular subject or question. It essentially means that the speaker has no idea or is clueless about the matter being discussed. The phrase conveys a sense of certainty in one's ignorance, as if to say they would willingly accept punishment (being hanged) rather than pretending to know something they don't.
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might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" suggests that since the potential consequences (getting hanged) are the same regardless of the scale of one's actions (stealing a sheep or a lamb), one might as well commit the larger offense. Essentially, it implies that if the punishment remains constant, there is no reason to choose a lesser option when the outcome will be equally severe.
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I'll be hanged
The idiom "I'll be hanged" is an expression used to convey surprise, disbelief, or a strong assertion of one's certainty or determination. It is often used as a stronger alternative to saying "I'll be damned" or "I can't believe it." The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of being sentenced to death by hanging, but it is used figuratively to emphasize one's strong feelings or conviction about something.
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If you're born to be hanged, then you'll never be drowned.
The idiom "If you're born to be hanged, then you'll never be drowned" means that if someone is destined to experience a specific fate or outcome, no matter how dire the circumstances may become, they will ultimately end up facing that predestined outcome. It suggests that certain events or consequences cannot be avoided, no matter what actions one takes to avoid them.
Similar spelling words for HANGED
- hang,
- hanker,
- Banged,
- Hanged,
- hangs,
- Hacked,
- Hawked,
- haunted,
- Hinged,
- honked,
- hand-,
- fanged,
- Hugged,
- hangar,
- hogged,
- Managed,
- hunger,
- Thanked,
- changed,
- handed,
- hand,
- hanger,
- Nagged.
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