B2noun1K

Hook

UK /["/hʊk/"]/US /["/hʊk/"]/

Definition

a curved piece of metal, plastic or wire for hanging things on, catching fish with, etc.

In simple words: A curved object that is used to catch things.

Examples

  • The jacket has a small hook at the collar to hang it easily.
  • The boxer threw a powerful left hook that knocked out his opponent.
  • The songwriter wrote a catchy hook for the chorus that everyone remembers.
  • Be sure to place a hook in the paragraph to engage readers immediately.
  • She looked for the nearest hook to hang her bag in the café.
  • The eagle used its strong hook to carry the prey away.
  • Detectives used the hook in the story to uncover the truth behind the case.

Usage notes

Use 'hook' when talking about something that grips or catches. It’s neutral and appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using in very literal contexts where actual fishing hooks are discussed unless relevant.

Grammar pattern

hook + object

Memory hint

Imagine a fishing 'hook' catching a fish – it 'hooks' the fish!

Collocations

  • hook a fish
  • hook someone’s attention
  • hook up
  • tune a hook
  • hook line

Synonyms

  • catch
  • grab
  • clutch
  • fasten
  • attach

Antonyms

  • unhook
  • release

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'look' in pronunciation.
  • Using 'hook' as a noun when it should be a verb and vice versa.
  • Incorrectly assuming it only refers to a fishing tool.