half-mast

[haf-mast, hahf-mahst]

noun

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

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

noun

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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-mast¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

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

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"He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me," the president added, ordering that all flags be flown at half-mast across the country.

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Vigils have been held across Minneapolis and in the neighbouring city of St Paul, and flags have been ordered to half-mast.

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The chief of staff has directed the country's flags to fly at half-mast.

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Bangladesh has announced a day of mourning on Tuesday, when the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country.

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