Pronunciation

/hoʊk/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A curved or bent device typically made of metal or plastic, designed to catch hold of, suspend, or connect things. Example: “A coat hook on the back of the door.”
  • Also used metaphorically, like in “The story had a great hook that kept readers engaged.”
• Verb (v): To fasten, hang, or attach something using a hook. Example: “She hooked the picture frame onto the wall.”
  • Also used figuratively, such as “The catchy tune hooked millions of listeners.”
  • In informal contexts, it can mean ‘to hit with a hook’ as in boxing or to curve a ball in sports: “He hooked the punch to his opponent’s jaw.”
• Verb (v): To catch or seize by or as if by a hook, often referring to fish. Example: “The angler patiently waited to hook a salmon.”
• Verb (v): To attract and hold the attention or interest of someone. Example: “The novel hooks the reader from the first chapter.”
• Verb (v): To form into a hook shape; to bend or curve. Example: “He hooked his finger around the doorknob.”

Phrases

• “Hook, line, and sinker”: To accept something completely without question or suspicion.
• “Get hooked on something”: To become addicted or very interested in something.
• “By hook or by crook”: By any means necessary, whether fair or foul.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The pirate captain wielded his trusty hook with menace.”
• Verb: “I’ll need your help to hook up this new TV.”
• Verb (figurative): “The movie’s opening scene was enough to hook the audience.”
• Verb (fishhooking): “It took him hours to finally hook a big trout.”

Synonyms

• Noun: Fastener, hanger, clasp, peg, grappling iron
• Verb (attach): Fasten, affix, hang, secure, tether
• Verb (catch/seize): Snag, capture, ensnare, trap
• Verb (attract/interest): Engage, entice, captivate, fascinate
• Verb (bend/curve): Curve, bend, twist, angle