hang back

verb

hung back; hanging back; hangs back

intransitive verb

1
: to drag behind others
2
: to be reluctant

Examples of hang back in a Sentence

even though the young mother wanted the job, she still hung back because she wasn't sure if she should spend time away from her family
Recent Examples on the Web Instead, many hide their hearing loss by nodding along in conversation, by hanging back at social gatherings, by staying home. Charley Locke, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2024 To avoid interrupting, Tozer decided to hang back and began setting up her own paddleboard, hoping to give them some space. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024 After the show, attendees were invited to hang back and enjoy an offering of beverages and a BBQ-style cookout, which included burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian options. Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024 Until there is more certainty around those answers, investors may hang back, or wait for more opportunistic moments (like, say, a bankruptcy). Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hang back 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hang back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang back was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near hang back

Cite this Entry

“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20back. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hang back

verb
1
: to linger behind others
hung back to wait for the slower children
2
: to be unwilling to do something : hesitate
always hangs back when everyone else is dancing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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