Phrase guide

hang back

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To wait; to falter; to avoid proceeding through reluctance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

to lag or linger behind

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • But in so many other areas we still are dragging

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drag, trail, get behind, drop behind, drop back

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: lag, dawdle, fall back, fall behind

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.