Search results for 'hook':

hook noun 1 a curved piece of metal or similar material, used for catching or holding things. 2 a snare, trap, attraction, etc. 3 a curved tool used for cutting grain, branches, etc. 4 a sharp bend or curve, eg in land or a river. 5 boxing a swinging punch with the elbow bent. 6 sport a method of striking the ball causing it to curve in the air. 7 cricket, golf a shot that causes the ball to curve in the direction of the swing. 8 pop music a catchy or easily memorized phrase. verb (hooked, hooking) 1 to catch, fasten or hold with or as if with a hook. 2 to form into or with a hook. 3 to ensnare, trap, attract, etc. 4 a golf, cricket to hit (the ball) out round the other side of one's body, to the left if the player is right-handed, and vice versa; b said of the ball: to curve in this direction. 5 in a rugby scrum: to catch (the ball) with the foot and kick it backwards. 6 tr & intr to bend or curve. 7 tr & intr to pull abruptly. by hook or by crook by some means or other. hook and eye a device used to fasten clothes by means of a hook that catches in a loop or eye. hook, line and sinker colloq completely. off the hook 1 colloq out of trouble or difficulty; excused of the blame for something. 2 said of a telephone receiver: not on its rest, and so not able to receive incoming calls.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon hoc.