A hangup is a psychological barrier or emotional problem that prevents someone from thinking clearly or acting freely. When someone has a hangup about public speaking, they might freeze up or avoid it entirely, even when they have something important to say. A person with a hangup about trying new foods might miss out on delicious meals because of an irrational fear or discomfort.

Hangups often stem from past embarrassments, fears, or negative experiences that stick with us. Maybe you once tripped while giving a presentation, and now you have a hangup about speaking in front of groups. Or perhaps a friend once criticized your drawing, and you developed a hangup about sharing your artwork. These mental blocks can feel much bigger than they really are.

When you work through a hangup, you free yourself from that invisible obstacle. Understanding your hangups is the first step toward overcoming them.

People also use hang up (two words) as a verb meaning to end a phone call by placing the receiver back on its hook, or to place something on a hook or hanger up.