dangle

[ dang-guhl ]

/ ˈdæŋ gəl /

|||

verb (used without object), dan·gled, dan·gling.

to hang loosely, especially with a jerking or swaying motion: The rope dangled in the breeze.

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

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), dan·gled, dan·gling.

to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.

to offer as an inducement.

noun

the act of dangling.

something that dangles.

Nearby words

danger cave, danger man, danger money, dangerous, dangerous offender, dangle, dangleberry, dangling participle, dani, dania, daniel

Idioms

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

Origin of dangle

1580–90; expressive word akin to Norwegian, Swedish dangla, Danish dangle dangle

SYNONYMS FOR dangle

1 swing, sway, flap.

Related forms

dan·gler, noundan·gling·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dangler

"This must have been Dangler's hangout," was Dick's comment.
The Rover Boys on the Farm|Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
That was the closest we ever came to going down Dangler's hill.
Back Home|Eugene Wood
"Yes, and got your full share of the proceeds, while I ran the risk," growled Dangler.
The Rover Boys on the Farm|Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
I hate a dangler, who is more like a footman than a husband.
Advice to Young Men|William Cobbett

The successful working of these institutions must be exceedingly gratifying to Mr. Dangler.
Cleveland Past and Present|Maurice Joblin

British Dictionary definitions for dangler

dangle

/ (ˈdæŋɡəl) /

verb

to hang or cause to hang freelyhis legs dangled over the wall

(tr) to display as an enticementthe hope of a legacy was dangled before her

noun

the act of dangling or something that dangles

Derived Forms

dangler, noundanglingly, adverb

Word Origin for dangle

C16: perhaps from Danish dangle, probably of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012