What does "hooked" mean?

1. (addicted or obsessed) very interested in something or unable to stop doing it because you enjoy it so much. 2. (curved shape) having a sharp curve at the end, like a hook.

How do you use "hooked"?

Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get' and takes the preposition 'on'. Often used to describe body parts like noses or beaks.

hooked

adj.

US //ˈhʊkt// UK //hˈʊkt// hooked

1 addicted or obsessed (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

very interested in something or unable to stop doing it because you enjoy it so much.

captivated by or addicted to a substance, activity, or media; often used with the preposition 'on'.

Example

I watched the first episode of the show and now I am completely hooked.

Example

After just one semester of the introductory course, she was hooked on linguistics and decided to change her major immediately.

Usage

Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get' and takes the preposition 'on'.
- indifferent
- bored
2 curved shape (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a sharp curve at the end, like a hook.

possessing a curved or angular profile resembling a hook.

Example

The bird has a hooked beak that helps it tear apart its food.

Example

The character was instantly recognisable by his prominent hooked nose and his tall, thin frame.

Usage

Often used to describe body parts like noses or beaks.
- curved
- aquiline
- bent
- straight

Origin

From hook + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026