dangle

American  

[dang-guhl] / ˈdæŋ gəl /

verb (used without object)

dangled, dangling

1. to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion.

   The rope dangled in the breeze.

   Synonyms:

   flap, sway, swing

2. to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.

3. 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)

dangled, dangling

1. to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.

2. to offer as an inducement.

noun

1. the act of dangling.

2. something that dangles.

idioms

1. keep someone dangling, to keep someone in a state of uncertainty.

dangle British  

/ ˈdæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to hang or cause to hang freely

   his legs dangled over the wall

2. (tr) to display as an enticement

   the hope of a legacy was dangled before her

---

noun

1. the act of dangling or something that dangles

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

Privately, he dangled a carrot: Belarus, he suggested, could buy more Boeing aircraft.

From The Wall Street Journal

Voters seem content to let the young talent dangle, trusting that he’ll continue flogging himself to make more great pictures like this.

From Los Angeles Times

A pair of blue and yellow earplugs dangle on Jose’s neck while waiting for work as a day laborer out of the Home Depot in Cypress Park.

From Los Angeles Times

Many in Tehran’s corridors of power, obviously scared of another American or Israeli attack, dangle offers of diplomatic mediation.

From The Wall Street Journal

His little finger holds Woo’s tail, and the aboatia dangles helplessly in his grip.

From Literature

Related Words

• droop
• flap
• hang
• sling
• sway
• swing