hanged
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhæŋd// UK //hˈæŋd// hanged
v. the past tense of 'hang' when someone is killed by being suspended from a rope around the neck.
v. the simple past and past participle of 'hang' used specifically for execution by suspension from the neck; distinct from 'hung', which is used for objects.
The prisoner was hanged at dawn.
The judge ordered that the thief be hanged for his crimes.
In the nineteenth century, public executions were common, and crowds would gather to watch the condemned man be hanged from the gallows.
Usage
Use 'hanged' for people executed by rope; use 'hung' for objects or pictures.
Pitfall
The criminal was hungThe criminal was hanged'Hanged' is the correct past participle for execution; 'hung' is for objects.