# hang up

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hang-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

To end a phone call by breaking the connection. You use this when you finish talking to someone on the phone.

For teachers: To terminate a telephone conversation by breaking the connection. Historically derived from placing a receiver back on a wall-mounted hook, it is now used for all types of telephony.

## Examples

- Don't hang up yet, I have one more thing to say.
- She was so angry that she decided to hang up in the middle of our conversation.
- After a brief and rather cold exchange, the diplomat chose to hang up before any further concessions could be demanded.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I hung up the phone to him." but "I hung up on him." — Use 'on' to specify the person you are talking to when you end the call abruptly.

## Usage notes

- You can use it alone or with an object like 'the phone'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'hang on' (wait) and 'hang out' (spend time) to help students distinguish common 'hang' phrasal verbs.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.