half-mast

American  

[haf-mast, hahf-mahst] / ˈhæfˈmæst, ˈhɑfˈmɑst /

noun

1. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

half-mast British  

noun

1. the lower than normal position to which a flag is lowered on a mast as a sign of mourning or distress

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verb

1. (tr) to put (a flag) in this position

Etymology

Origin of half-mast

First recorded in 1620–30

Compare meaning

How does half-mast compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• half-staff vs. half-mast

Example Sentences

Flags will fly at half-mast and Australians are being asked to light a candle in their windows to honour the victims.

From BBC

A moment of silence was held before the game with security tightened at a packed Adelaide Oval where flags were flying at half-mast.

From Barron's

Then I see the silver lining and give Jonesy a smile with my eyelids at half-mast.

From Literature

Officials observed a three minutes' silence to mark the start of the period, while the flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half-mast.

From BBC

Flags were lowered to half-mast by order of the president.

From Salon