hinge

[hinj]

noun

1. a jointed device or flexible piece on which a door, gate, shutter, lid, or other attached part turns, swings, or moves.

2. a natural anatomical joint at which motion occurs around a transverse axis, as that of the knee or a bivalve shell.

3. that on which something is based or depends; pivotal consideration or factor.

4. Also called mount. Philately.,  a gummed sticker for affixing a stamp to a page of an album, so folded as to form a hinge, allowing the stamp to be raised to reveal the text beneath.

verb (used without object)

hinged, hinging 

1. to be dependent or contingent on, or as if on, a hinge (usually followed by on orupon ).

   Everything hinges on his decision.

   Synonyms: depend, pivot, swing, rest

verb (used with object)

hinged, hinging 

1. to furnish with or attach by a hinge or hinges.

2. to attach as if by a hinge.

3. to make or consider as dependent upon; predicate.

   He hinged his action on future sales.

hinge

/ hɪndʒ /

noun

1. a device for holding together two parts such that one can swing relative to the other, typically having two interlocking metal leaves held by a pin about which they pivot

2. Technical name: ginglymus. anatomy a type of joint, such as the knee joint, that moves only backwards and forwards; a joint that functions in only one plane

3. a similar structure in invertebrate animals, such as the joint between the two halves of a bivalve shell

4. something on which events, opinions, etc, turn

5. Also called: mount. philately a small thin transparent strip of gummed paper for affixing a stamp to a page

verb

1. (tr) to attach or fit a hinge to (something)

2. (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to depend (on)

3. (intr) to hang or turn on or as if on a hinge

Other Word Forms

• hingeless adjective
• hingelike adjective
• rehinge verb (used with object)
• well-hinged adjective
• hinged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

1250–1300; Middle English henge; cognate with Low German heng ( e ), Middle Dutch henge hinge; akin to hang

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch henge; see _hang

Example Sentences

Analysts say the plan’s success hinges on trust and verification mechanisms — areas where past cease-fire attempts have repeatedly failed.

From Salon

The answer hinges on the application of what’s known as the “major questions doctrine,” which limits presidential authority over issues of great economic or policy importance in the absence of direct endorsement from Congress.

From Salon

The 22-year-old is a key player for England, arguably the best they have, and their chances of winning the World Cup next summer will likely be hinged on how well he plays.

From BBC

There’s also a ghost in the movie, I think — at least, there’s a heavy hinge that shouldn’t be able to open without a spectral nudge.

From Los Angeles Times

And just like that, clafoutis has become the hinge of my autumn.

From Salon

Related Words

• depend 
• revolve around www.thesaurus.com