What does “Hook” mean in English?

In the English language, there exists a word known as “hook,” [hʊk] typically referring to a metal device bent at one end and used for hanging or catching something. Additionally, “hook” can be employed in a figurative sense, representing something appealing or captivating that attracts attention, such as an intriguing moment in music or literature. As a verb, “to hook” signifies to catch or connect using a hook, and it can also denote forming a connection between individuals (hook up). However, when used as a phrasal verb, incorporating additional words such as adverbs or prepositions, “to hook” can take on various meanings. Let’s delve into popular phrasal verbs involving “hook,” exploring their meanings and providing illustrative examples.

The most popular phrasal verbs with “hook” in English 

Hook up

• Meaning: To connect electronic equipment to other equipment or to a power supply.
• Meaning: Meet someone.
• Example: “Can you help me hook up my laptop to the printer?”
• Example: “We hooked up at the conference”

Hook up with

• Meaning: Informal: To meet someone or to start working with someone.
• Example: “She hooked up with her high school friends at the reunion.”

Hook into

• Meaning: To start a new hobby, pastime, etc. It can also mean to connect to a system, particularly in computing.
• Meaning: Persuade someone to do something they don’t want to do.
• Example: “Ever since he retired, he’s hooked into bird-watching.”
• Example: “She hooked them into coming after all.”

Get hooked

• Meaning: To become addicted to something or to become very interested in something.
•  Example: “He got hooked on the new video game and played it all weekend.”

Hook onto

• Meaning: To attach oneself to an idea or pursuit enthusiastically.
• Example: “She’s hooked onto the idea of moving to New York to become a dancer.”

Hook in

• Meaning: To connect with something or become involved in something.
• Example: “He hooked in his brother to manage the financial aspects of his business.”

Hook back up

• Meaning: To reconnect, reconvene, or resume a relationship or partnership.
• Example: “After a brief separation, they decided to hook back up and give their relationship another chance.”

Hook up to

• Meaning: To connect someone or something to a piece of electronic equipment, to a power supply, or to the Internet.
• Example: “The technician hooked the monitor up to the computer.”

Hook out of

• Meaning: To remove something by using a hook.
• Example: “He hooked the fish out of the water.”

Hook off

• Meaning: To remove or detach by pulling.
• Example: “At the end of his shift, he hooked his apron off and went home.”

Phrasal verbs with “hook” often convey the idea of connection, joining, interest, or starting something new. They are very versatile and are widely used in everyday English conversations.