verbverb

accrocher

hang

C’est mettre quelque chose sur un support pour qu’il tienne en l’air, comme un tableau sur un mur.

Definition & meaning

Accrocher is a French verb with several related meanings:

To hang, hook, or fasten something onto a support.
Example: to hang a picture on a wall.
To catch or snag on something, or to grip and hold.
Example: a coat catching on a nail.
To attract or hold someone’s attention; to engage or appeal to someone.
Example: a book that grabs your interest. In informal speech, j’accroche can mean “I’m into it” or “it appeals to me.”
To clip, scrape, or collide with something, especially of a vehicle.
Example: a car scraping a post.
In the pronominal form, s’accrocher, to hold on or cling to something; figuratively, to persist or keep going through difficulty.

Grammar & Word origin

Accrocher is a regular -er verb. It is usually transitive—taking a direct object—in the sense “to hang” or “to catch,” but it can also be used without an object, especially for something that catches or grips. Its pronominal form is s’accrocher. The compound tenses of the non-pronominal verb use avoir; those of the pronominal form use être.

The verb is formed from a- and croc, meaning a hook or fang, with the verb ending -er. The image is of catching or fastening something with a hook.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms depend on the sense:

Fixer means “to fasten” or “attach” and is a broad, practical alternative; it does not necessarily suggest a hook.
Suspendre means “to hang” something from above; it emphasizes leaving it suspended.
Attirer means “to attract,” including attention, but does not necessarily imply holding it.
Heurter means “to hit” or “collide with”; it describes an impact more directly than accrocher.
Érafler means “to scrape” or “graze,” usually leaving a superficial mark.
S’agripper means “to grip tightly” or “cling,” and is a close alternative to s’accrocher.

There is no single antonym for every sense. Depending on context:

Décrocher means “to unhook” or “take down,” the opposite of hanging or fastening something.
Détacher means “to detach” or “unfasten.”
Lâcher means “to let go,” the opposite of holding on or clinging.
Repousser means “to put off” or “repel”; it can contrast with attracting someone’s attention or interest.

Common phrases & collocations

accrocher un tableau au mur — to hang a picture on the wall
accrocher son manteau — to hang up one’s coat
accrocher l’attention de quelqu’un — to catch someone’s attention
s’accrocher à une branche — to cling to a branch
s’accrocher à ses objectifs — to stick to one’s goals or persevere
accrocher une voiture — to clip or scrape a car (for example, while driving)