hook

hook [hook]

n.

[ME < OE hoc, akin to HAKE, MDu hoec, ON hakr < IE base * keg-, peg for hanging]

1. a curved or bent piece of metal, wood, etc. used to catch, hold, or pull something; specif.,

a) a curved piece of wire or bone with a barbed end, for catching fish

b) a curved piece of metal, wood, etc. fastened to a wall or chain at one end, used to hang things on, raise things up, etc. [a coat hook]

c) a small metal catch inserted in a loop, or eye, to fasten clothes together

d) Naut. Slang an anchor

2. a curved metal implement for cutting grain, etc.

3. something shaped like a hook; specif.,

a) a curving cape or headland: used in place names [Sandy Hook]

b) a sharp bend in a stream

4. [back-form. < HOOKER¹ (sense 3)] a trap; snare

5. Informal something intended to attract attention or encourage involvement; specif., in popular music, a catchy, repeated phrase, verse, riff, etc.

6.

a) the path of a hit or thrown ball that curves away to the left from a right-handed player or to the right from a left-handed player

b) a ball that follows such a path

7. Boxing a short, sharp blow delivered with the arm bent at the elbow

8. Music FLAG¹ (sense 7)

vt.

1. to attach or fasten with or as with a hook or hook and eye

2. to take hold of with a hook

3. to catch with or as with a hook

4. to attack with the horns, as a bull; gore

5. to make into the shape of a hook

☆ 6. to make (a rug, wall hanging, etc.) by drawing strips of yarn or cloth with a hook through a canvas or burlap backing

7. to hit or throw (a ball) in a HOOK (n. 6a)

8. Informal

a) to tempt or attract

b) to cause addiction to

c) to steal; snatch

9. Boxing to hit with a hook

vi.

1. to curve as a hook does

2. to be fastened with a hook or hooks

3. to be caught by a hook

☆ 4. Slang to work as a prostitute

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by hook or by crook

in any way whatever; by any means, honest or dishonest

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☆ get the hook

Slang to be discharged or dismissed: from the former practice of pulling incompetent actors off the stage with a long hooked pole

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☆ hook, line, and sinker

Informal completely; altogether: orig. a fisherman's expression

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hook up

1. to connect or attach with a hook or hooks

2. to arrange and connect the parts of (a radio, etc.)

☆ 3. Informal to come or bring into a relationship with another, as partner, associate, spouse, etc.

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off the hook

Informal out of trouble, embarrassment, or a state of burdensome responsibility

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☆ on one's own hook

Informal by oneself; without getting help, advice, etc.