hard-on

[ hahrd-on, -awn ]

/ ˈhɑrdˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

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noun, plural hard-ons.Slang: Vulgar.

an erection of the penis.

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ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

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Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

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Origin of hard-on

First recorded in 1890–95

How to use hard-on in a sentence

"Perhaps you'll want me to buy a blue sofa pillow or some other Yale thing," sighed Will Hardon.
Brenda, Her School and Her Club|Helen Leah Reed
Doctor Hardon turned almost purple with rage, but by an effort he choked it down.
Mad|George Manville Fenn
I don't believe you know a bit more about Will Hardon's bravery than you did before.
Brenda, Her School and Her Club|Helen Leah Reed
In the gloomiest part of that gloomy street called Carey, and in the darkest corner of his printing-office, sat Septimus Hardon.
Mad|George Manville Fenn

Septimus Hardon nodded drearily, and sighed again, instead of promptly ordering the man off his premises.
Mad|George Manville Fenn

Other Idioms and Phrases with hard-on

hard on

Also, hard upon, hard by. In close proximity, as in The police were hard on the heels of the thieves, or It was hard upon three o'clock, or Their house is hard by ours. The variants are used less than hard on. [Second half of 1700s]

be hard on. Deal severely with, cause damage to. For example, He asked the teacher not to be too hard on those who forgot the assignment, or That cat has really been hard on the upholstery. [Second half of 1600s] Also see hard time, def. 2.