a curved piece of metal or other hard material that is used for catching hold of or hanging things on, a thing designed to catch people's attention, a catchy musical phrase or riff

by hook or by crook, hook, line, and sinker, off the hook

get/hooked on something, off the hook, on the hook

Formal and Informal Expressions of hook

In different contexts, you can replace 'hook' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'fastener, clasp' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'grabber, attention-getter' is a commonplace synonym.

hook: Explore its Definition & Usage

hook Definition

1a curved piece of metal or other hard material that is used for catching hold of or hanging things on
2a thing designed to catch people's attention
3a catchy musical phrase or riff

Using hook: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hook" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He hung his coat on the hook by the door.
Example
The song has a great hook that gets stuck in your head.
Example
The headline was a hook to get people to read the article.
Example
She used a fish hook to catch a trout.

hook Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hook

Antonyms for hook

Idioms Using hook

by hook or by crook
by any means necessary, even if they are dishonest or illegal
Example
He was determined to win the race by hook or by crook.
hook, line, and sinker
completely, without reservation
Example
He fell for her story hook, line, and sinker.
off the hook
not required to do something anymore
Example
I'm glad I'm off the hook for babysitting tonight.

Phrases with hook

get/hooked on something
to become addicted or obsessed with something
Example
He got hooked on video games and spent all his free time playing them.
off the hook
no longer in trouble or no longer responsible for something
Example
I thought I was going to fail the test, but I got off the hook when it was cancelled.
on the hook
responsible for something or obligated to do something
Example
I'm on the hook for organizing the party, so I need your help.

Origins of hook

from Old English 'hoc', meaning 'a hook, angle'

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Summary: hook in Brief

A 'hook' [hʊk] is a curved piece of metal or other material used for catching or hanging things, such as a coat or a fish. It can also refer to something designed to catch people's attention, like a headline or a catchy musical phrase. Phrases like 'get/hooked on something' and 'off/on the hook' convey addiction or responsibility, while idioms like 'by hook or by crook' and 'hook, line, and sinker' suggest determination and complete acceptance.