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Meaning of hangs back
The primary meaning of "hangs back" is to hesitate or be reluctant to participate, engage, or move forward.
Etymology of hangs back
The phrase "hangs back" is derived from the Old English words "hōn" (to hang) and "bæc" (back), and has been in use since the 15th century to describe a state of hesitation, reluctance, or delay.
Synonyms
holds back
refrains
hesitates
delays
lingers
waits
pauses
stalls
procrastinates
dawdles
loiters
tarries
stays behind
falls back
drops back
recedes
withdraws
retires
steps back
gives back
yields
surrenders
relinquishes
abandons
desists
ceases
stops
slows down
slackens
eases off
lets up
backs off
draws back
pulls back
shrinks back
recoils
retreats
withholds
reserves
conserves
spares
saves
keeps back
keeps behind
holds off
keeps at bay
fends off
wards off
repels
repulses
resists
withstands
stands back
stands aside
stands down
Definitions
- To hesitate or be reluctant to do something
- To hold back or refrain from participating, engaging, or moving forward
- To delay or slow down, often due to fear, uncertainty, or lack of confidence
Usage Examples
- She hangs back from joining the conversation, feeling a bit shy and uncertain.
- He hangs back from making a decision, waiting for more information to come in.
- The team hangs back, waiting for the coach's signal to start playing.
Antonyms
proceeds
advances
moves forward
pushes on
presses ahead
forges ahead
goes ahead
leads
takes the lead
takes charge
steps forward
comes forward
joins in
participates
engages
throws oneself into
plunges into
dives into
rushes into
leaps into
jumps into
steps up
takes the initiative
seizes the initiative
grasps the opportunity