OpenSynonym

dangle

/ˈdæŋɡəl/

VERB

1. To hang loosely

To hang or be suspended loosely, usually with the ability to swing or move freely.

1.1. Hanging and swinging freely

Being suspended from something while hanging loosely and moving or swinging freely.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The keys were left to dangle from the door lock.
  • Her earrings dangle elegantly as she walks.

Related Words

  • sag
  • flap
  • loll
  • droop
  • overhang

1.2. Hanging body parts over an edge

Positioning or allowing a part of the body, especially the legs or feet, to hang over the edge of a surface.

Synonyms

  • hang
  • hang down
  • suspend

Examples

  • He sat on the pier and dangled his feet over the water.
  • The patient dangled her legs over the side of the bed.

Related Words

  • loll
  • swing
  • droop

VERB

2. To trail or follow

To follow or accompany someone, often by remaining behind or staying close to them.

2.1. Following someone around

Following or accompanying another person, sometimes persistently or without being invited.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The reporter continued to dangle around the celebrity, hoping for an interview.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A dangling object or decoration

An ornament or decorative object that hangs loosely from something.

3.1. Hanging ornament

A decorative object suspended from a surface or support, often designed to move or swing.

Synonyms

Examples

  • A small crystal dangle hung from the chandelier.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A deceptive intelligence agent

An agent of one intelligence agency or group who pretends to be interested in defecting or transferring allegiance to another agency or group.

4.1. Espionage deception

A deceptive intelligence operative who feigns willingness to defect in order to mislead or gather information from another intelligence organization.

Synonyms

  • double agent
  • deception agent

Examples

  • The intelligence service suspected that the supposed defector was actually a dangle.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A hockey stickhandling move

A deceptive maneuver in which a player moves or feints with the puck to get past a defender or goalie.

5.1. Deceptive puck maneuver

A hockey technique involving quick puck movements and fakes intended to deceive an opponent and create an opportunity to get past them.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The forward used a quick dangle to get around the defender.

Related Words

  • stickhandling
  • puck control
  • dangler