hinge
UK: hɪndʒ | US: hɪndʒ
n. a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid swings as it opens and closes
n. a central point or principle on which something depends or is based
vt. to attach or furnish with a hinge
vi. to depend or pivot on something
The word "hinge" traces back to Old English henge or hengan, derived from the Proto-Germanic hangijaną ("to hang"). The concept of a hinge as a pivoting joint evolved from the idea of an object "hanging" or swinging freely. Over time, the silent "e" was added in Middle English, standardizing the spelling while preserving the root's functional meaning.
The door creaked loudly because the hinge needed oiling.
The success of the project hinges on timely funding.
She carefully removed the hinge to repair the cabinet.
His argument hinged on a single piece of evidence.
Rust had corroded the metal hinge over the years.