This list covers 100 verbs starting with the letter H, running from “Hack” to “Hyphenate.” These words cover a wide range of everyday actions, from physical movements like “hop” and “hoist” to mental and emotional states like “hesitate” and “hunger.” You’ll find them useful for building stronger sentences, expanding your vocabulary, and expressing actions with more precision in both writing and conversation.

Verbs are words that describe an action, occurrence, or state of being, and they form the backbone of every sentence in English. Many H-verbs, like “hail” and “hoodwink,” carry colorful histories tied to old trades, sailing, and folk speech. Some, such as “hash” and “hyperventilate,” have even picked up entirely new meanings as technology and everyday life have changed.

Below you’ll find the table with Word, Tense Forms, Definition, Example Usage, and Description.

Word: the verb itself, listed alphabetically so you can quickly scan or search for the exact one you need.

Tense Forms: the past tense, past participle, and present participle forms, helping you use the verb correctly in any sentence structure.

Definition: a short, clear explanation of what the verb means, giving you a quick reference without needing to look elsewhere.

Example Usage: a natural sentence showing the verb in action, so you can see how it fits into everyday speech and writing.

Description: a fuller explanation covering different meanings or contexts, useful when a verb has more than one common use.

Verbs

WordTense FormsDefinitionExample Usage
Hackhacked / hacked / hackingto cut roughly, or to gain unauthorized access to a computer systemShe hacked her way through the jungle with a machete.
Hagglehaggled / haggled / hagglingto argue over the price of somethingThey haggled over the price of the rug at the market.
Hailhailed / hailed / hailingto greet, signal, or praise enthusiasticallyShe hailed a taxi outside the station.
Halthalted / halted / haltingto stop moving or operatingThe train halted suddenly at the signal.
Halvehalved / halved / halvingto divide into two equal partsHe halved the apple with a knife.
Hammerhammered / hammered / hammeringto strike repeatedly with a hammer or forceHe hammered the nail into the wall.
Hamperhampered / hampered / hamperingto hinder or obstruct progressBad weather hampered the rescue effort.
Handhanded / handed / handingto give or pass something using the handShe handed him the report.
Handlehandled / handled / handlingto deal with or manage somethingShe handled the crisis calmly.
Handwritehandwrote / handwritten / handwritingto write something by hand rather than typingShe handwrote the invitations herself.
Hanghung / hung / hangingto suspend something from aboveThey hung the painting on the wall.
Happenhappened / happened / happeningto occur or take placeThe accident happened last night.
Harassharassed / harassed / harassingto repeatedly disturb, pressure, or intimidate someoneHe was accused of harassing his coworkers.
Harborharbored / harbored / harboringto keep a feeling secretly, or to shelter someoneShe harbored doubts about the plan.
Hardenhardened / hardened / hardeningto become or make firm, stiff, or unyieldingThe clay hardened in the sun.
Harmharmed / harmed / harmingto cause injury or damageThe pesticide harmed local wildlife.
Harmonizeharmonized / harmonized / harmonizingto make consistent or blend musicallyThe singers harmonized beautifully during the chorus.
Harnessharnessed / harnessed / harnessingto control and use a resource effectivelyEngineers harnessed the river’s power for electricity.
Harpharped / harped / harpingto talk repeatedly and tediously about somethingHe kept harping on the same complaint.
Harrowharrowed / harrowed / harrowingto distress greatly, or to break up soil with a harrowThe survivors described a harrowing ordeal.
Harryharried / harried / harryingto persistently torment or harassReporters harried the celebrity outside her home.
Harvestharvested / harvested / harvestingto gather a crop or resourceFarmers harvested the wheat in late summer.
Hashhashed / hashed / hashingto chop finely, or to convert data using a hash functionThey hashed out the details over coffee.
Hastenhastened / hastened / hasteningto hurry or speed something upShe hastened to finish the report before the deadline.
Hatehated / hated / hatingto dislike intenselyHe hated waiting in long lines.
Haulhauled / hauled / haulingto pull or transport with effortTrucks hauled the lumber to the mill.
Haunthaunted / haunted / hauntingto visit as a ghost, or to trouble persistentlyThe old house was said to be haunted.
Havehad / had / havingto possess, hold, or experience somethingThey have a beautiful garden.
Hawkhawked / hawked / hawkingto sell goods aggressively, often in publicVendors hawked souvenirs near the stadium.
Headheaded / headed / headingto move in a specified direction, or to leadThey headed north toward the coast.
Healhealed / healed / healingto become or make healthy againThe wound healed within two weeks.
Heapheaped / heaped / heapingto pile up in a large massShe heaped praise on her students.
Hearheard / heard / hearingto perceive sound with the earsDid you hear that noise?
Heatheated / heated / heatingto raise the temperature of somethingShe heated the soup on the stove.
Heaveheaved / heaved / heavingto lift or throw with great effortThe sailors heaved the anchor aboard.
Hedgehedged / hedged / hedgingto avoid committing fully, or to protect against lossHe hedged his answer to avoid controversy.
Heedheeded / heeded / heedingto pay careful attention to advice or a warningShe heeded her doctor’s advice and rested.
Heightenheightened / heightened / heighteningto increase in intensity or degreeThe music heightened the tension in the scene.
Helphelped / helped / helpingto assist or support someoneHe helped his neighbor move furniture.
Hemhemmed / hemmed / hemmingto fold and sew an edge, or to encloseShe hemmed the skirt to the right length.
Heraldheralded / heralded / heraldingto signal the approach of something, or announce itThe bright colors heralded the arrival of spring.
Herdherded / herded / herdingto gather and move animals or people togetherThe dog herded the sheep into the pen.
Hesitatehesitated / hesitated / hesitatingto pause before acting due to uncertaintyShe hesitated before answering the question.
Hewhewed / hewn / hewingto cut or shape with a heavy tool, like an axeWorkers hewed the logs into beams.
Hibernatehibernated / hibernated / hibernatingto spend winter in a dormant stateBears hibernate through the coldest months.
Hiccuphiccupped / hiccupped / hiccuppingto make an involuntary gasping sound, or to falter brieflyHe hiccupped loudly during the meeting.
Hidehid / hidden / hidingto put or keep out of sightShe hid the gift in the closet.
Highlighthighlighted / highlighted / highlightingto emphasize or draw attention to somethingThe report highlighted several key issues.
Hijackhijacked / hijacked / hijackingto seize control of a vehicle or situation illegallyThe plane was hijacked shortly after takeoff.
Hikehiked / hiked / hikingto walk a long distance, especially in nature, or raise a priceThey hiked through the national park all day.
Hinderhindered / hindered / hinderingto create difficulty or delay for someonePoor visibility hindered the search operation.
Hingehinged / hinged / hingingto depend entirely on somethingTheir success hinges on good weather.
Hinthinted / hinted / hintingto suggest something indirectlyShe hinted that she might resign soon.
Hirehired / hired / hiringto employ someone, or to rent somethingThe company hired three new engineers.
Hisshissed / hissed / hissingto make a sharp sound like a prolonged “s”The snake hissed as it slithered away.
Hithit / hit / hittingto strike forcefullyThe ball hit the window and shattered it.
Hitchhitched / hitched / hitchingto fasten to something, or to travel by seeking free ridesThey hitched the trailer to the truck.
Hoardhoarded / hoarded / hoardingto accumulate and store excessivelyShe hoarded canned goods before the storm.
Hoaxhoaxed / hoaxed / hoaxingto deceive with a trick or false storyThe prankster hoaxed the entire office.
Hobblehobbled / hobbled / hobblingto walk unsteadily due to injuryHe hobbled to the bench after twisting his ankle.
Hoisthoisted / hoisted / hoistingto raise something, often using a rope or pulleySailors hoisted the flag at dawn.
Holdheld / held / holdingto grasp, keep, or contain somethingShe held the baby gently in her arms.
Hollowhollowed / hollowed / hollowingto make something empty insideThey hollowed out the pumpkin for a lantern.
Hollerhollered / hollered / holleringto shout loudlyHe hollered across the field to get her attention.
Homehomed / homed / homingto move toward a target with accuracyThe missile homed in on its target.
Honehoned / honed / honingto sharpen or refine a skill or toolShe honed her writing skills over many years.
Honkhonked / honked / honkingto make a loud sound like a car horn or gooseThe driver honked impatiently at the light.
Honorhonored / honored / honoringto show great respect, or to fulfill an obligationThe city honored the veterans with a parade.
Hookhooked / hooked / hookingto catch or fasten with a hook, or to captivateThe angler hooked a large trout.
Hoothooted / hooted / hootingto make the sound of an owl, or to shout in scornThe owl hooted from the old oak tree.
Hophopped / hopped / hoppingto jump on one or both feetThe rabbit hopped across the lawn.
Hopehoped / hoped / hopingto wish for something with expectationShe hoped for good news from the doctor.
Horrifyhorrified / horrified / horrifyingto cause intense shock or disgustThe scene horrified everyone who witnessed it.
Hosehosed / hosed / hosingto wash or spray with a hoseHe hosed down the driveway after the storm.
Hosthosted / hosted / hostingto organize and welcome guests to an eventThe couple hosted a dinner party on Saturday.
Houndhounded / hounded / houndingto pursue relentlesslyJournalists hounded the politician for a statement.
Househoused / housed / housingto provide shelter or storage forThe shelter houses over a hundred families.
Hoverhovered / hovered / hoveringto remain suspended in one place in the airThe helicopter hovered above the rescue site.
Howlhowled / howled / howlingto make a long, loud, mournful cryThe wolves howled at the moon.
Hoodwinkhoodwinked / hoodwinked / hoodwinkingto deceive or trick someoneThe con artist hoodwinked several investors.
Huddlehuddled / huddled / huddlingto crowd together closelyThe team huddled to discuss the next play.
Hughugged / hugged / huggingto hold someone closely in one’s armsShe hugged her friend at the airport.
Humhummed / hummed / hummingto produce a low continuous sound, or sing without wordsShe hummed a tune while cooking.
Humblehumbled / humbled / humblingto lower someone’s pride or statusThe defeat humbled the once-proud team.
Humiliatehumiliated / humiliated / humiliatingto cause someone to feel ashamed or foolishThe harsh criticism humiliated him in front of his peers.
Hunchhunched / hunched / hunchingto bend the body forward, or to suspect intuitivelyHe hunched over his desk, exhausted.
Hungerhungered / hungered / hungeringto have a strong desire or need for food or something elseShe hungered for adventure and new experiences.
Hunthunted / hunted / huntingto search for and pursue prey, or search thoroughlyThey hunted deer in the forest at dawn.
Hurdlehurdled / hurdled / hurdlingto jump over an obstacle, or overcome a difficultyThe runner hurdled the final barrier with ease.
Hurlhurled / hurled / hurlingto throw something with great forceHe hurled the ball across the field.
Hurryhurried / hurried / hurryingto move or act quicklyThey hurried to catch the last train.
Hurthurt / hurt / hurtingto cause physical or emotional painThe harsh comment hurt her feelings.
Hushhushed / hushed / hushingto make or become quietThe teacher hushed the noisy classroom.
Huskhusked / husked / huskingto remove the outer covering from a seed or fruitThey husked the corn before boiling it.
Hustlehustled / hustled / hustlingto work energetically, or to push roughlyShe hustled to finish the project before the deadline.
Hydratehydrated / hydrated / hydratingto supply with water or absorb waterRemember to hydrate before your run.
Hyperventilatehyperventilated / hyperventilated / hyperventilatingto breathe abnormally fastShe began to hyperventilate during the panic attack.
Hypnotizehypnotized / hypnotized / hypnotizingto induce a trance-like state in someoneThe performer hypnotized a volunteer from the audience.
Hypothesizehypothesized / hypothesized / hypothesizingto propose an explanation based on limited evidenceScientists hypothesized that the virus spread through water.
Hyphenatehyphenated / hyphenated / hyphenatingto join words or syllables with a hyphenShe hyphenated her last name after marriage.

Descriptions

Hack
To chop something roughly, or in modern use, to break into a computer system without permission. It now often refers to clever, unconventional problem-solving too.
Haggle
To negotiate back and forth, usually over a price, until both sides settle on a number. Common in markets and informal trading.
Hail
To call out to someone to get their attention, or to praise them publicly. It can also describe hail falling from the sky.
Halt
To bring something to a stop, whether it’s a person walking, a vehicle, or an entire process or activity.
Halve
To cut or reduce something into two equal parts, or more loosely, to reduce something by fifty percent.
Hammer
To hit something repeatedly with a hammer, or figuratively, to criticize or defeat someone or something forcefully and repeatedly.
Hamper
To slow down or get in the way of someone’s progress or an activity, often used when talking about obstacles or setbacks.
Hand
To physically pass something to someone using your hand, or more broadly, to deliver or transfer something to another person.
Handle
To manage, deal with, or take care of a situation, object, or person, often implying skill or responsibility.
Handwrite
To produce text using a pen or pencil instead of a keyboard or printer, often for a personal or formal touch.
Hang
To attach something so it dangles from a point above, such as a picture, coat, or decoration. It can also mean to spend time somewhere casually.
Happen
To take place or occur, often used to describe events, whether planned or unexpected, that unfold in time.
Harass
To subject someone to repeated aggressive pressure, unwanted attention, or intimidation, creating a hostile or uncomfortable situation for them.
Harbor
To hold onto a feeling, thought, or suspicion privately, or to give shelter or refuge to a person, animal, or even a fugitive.
Harden
To make something physically firmer or stiffer, or figuratively, to become tougher, less sympathetic, or more resistant emotionally.
Harm
To cause physical injury, damage, or negative effects to a person, animal, object, or system.
Harmonize
To bring different elements into agreement or pleasing combination, whether musical notes, opinions, or systems that need to work together smoothly.
Harness
To capture and put a natural force, resource, or ability to productive use, or literally, to fit an animal with a harness.
Harp
To keep talking about the same subject in an annoying or repetitive way, usually a complaint or criticism that won’t let up.
Harrow
To cause deep emotional distress, or in farming, to drag a heavy frame over soil to break it up before planting.
Harry
To repeatedly bother, chase, or put pressure on someone, often used historically to describe raiding or persistent military pressure.
Harvest
To collect a ripe crop from the fields, or more broadly, to gather any resource, such as data or energy, for later use.
Hash
To chop food into small pieces, to discuss and work through a problem thoroughly, or in computing, to convert data into a fixed code.
Hasten
To move quickly or cause something to happen sooner than it otherwise would, often used in slightly formal or literary contexts.
Hate
To feel a strong, often intense, dislike or aversion toward a person, thing, or situation.
Haul
To drag, pull, or transport something heavy, often over a distance, typically using considerable force or a vehicle.
Haunt
To appear repeatedly as a ghost in a place, or figuratively, to linger in someone’s mind in a troubling, persistent way.
Have
To own, hold, or experience something, one of the most common and versatile verbs in English, also used to form perfect tenses.
Hawk
To sell goods, typically by loudly advertising them in a public place, often associated with street vendors and market sellers.
Head
To move toward a particular direction or destination, or to be in charge of a group, department, or organization.
Heal
To recover from an injury or illness, or to help someone or something return to a state of health or wholeness.
Heap
To pile things into a large, often disorderly mass, or figuratively, to give someone a large amount of something, like praise or criticism.
Hear
To perceive sound using the ears, or more broadly, to be told or informed about something, such as news.
Heat
To make something warmer or hotter, whether it’s food, a room, or a substance, often using an external heat source.
Heave
To lift, pull, or throw something heavy using considerable physical effort, often accompanied by a deep breath or grunt.
Hedge
To avoid giving a direct or committed answer, or in finance, to protect an investment against potential losses.
Heed
To pay close attention to and act upon advice, a warning, or an instruction, rather than ignoring it.
Heighten
To make something more intense, noticeable, or extreme, often used for emotions, tension, or awareness.
Help
To provide assistance, support, or aid to someone so they can accomplish a task or overcome a difficulty more easily.
Hem
To sew a border on a piece of fabric to prevent fraying, or to surround and restrict someone, as in “hemmed in.”
Herald
To be a sign that something is coming, or to formally announce or celebrate an event, achievement, or arrival.
Herd
To gather and guide a group of animals, or informally, people, moving them together in a particular direction.
Hesitate
To pause briefly before doing or saying something, usually because of uncertainty, nervousness, or reluctance.
Hew
To chop or cut something, especially wood or stone, using a heavy cutting tool such as an axe. Also used figuratively to mean sticking closely to a rule.
Hibernate
To pass the winter in a state of deep sleep and reduced activity, a survival strategy used by certain animals to conserve energy.
Hiccup
To make a sudden, involuntary sound caused by a spasm in the diaphragm, or figuratively, to experience a small, temporary setback.
Hide
To place something or oneself out of view so it cannot be easily found or seen, or to conceal information or feelings.
Highlight
To draw special attention to something important, often by marking it visually or specifically calling it out in speech or writing.
Hijack
To illegally take control of a vehicle, especially a plane, by force, or figuratively, to take over a conversation or event unexpectedly.
Hike
To walk long distances, often over rough terrain, for exercise or pleasure, or to suddenly increase a price, rate, or fee.
Hinder
To make it harder for someone to do something or for a process to move forward, creating obstacles or delays.
Hinge
To depend completely on a single factor or condition, much like a door depends on its hinge to swing open.
Hint
To suggest or imply something without stating it directly, giving a subtle clue about one’s thoughts or intentions.
Hire
To employ someone for a job, or to pay for the temporary use of an object or service, like a car or venue.
Hiss
To produce a sharp, sibilant sound similar to a long “s,” often made by snakes, geese, or steam escaping, or said sharply in anger.
Hit
To strike something or someone with force, whether by hand, an object, or a vehicle, or to reach a target, milestone, or level.
Hitch
To attach one thing to another, such as a trailer to a vehicle, or informally, to get a free ride by hitchhiking.
Hoard
To collect and store a large quantity of something, often out of fear of shortage, more than is reasonably needed.
Hoax
To trick someone into believing something false, typically as a prank or deliberate deception meant to mislead a group of people.
Hobble
To walk with difficulty, usually because of pain or injury, resulting in an uneven, limping gait.
Hoist
To lift something heavy, often using mechanical help like a rope, pulley, or crane, or simply by physical effort.
Hold
To grasp or carry something in your hands or arms, or more broadly, to keep, contain, maintain, or organize something, like an event.
Hollow
To remove the inside of something, leaving it empty, or figuratively, to drain something of its meaning or substance.
Holler
To yell or shout loudly, typically to get someone’s attention across a distance or to express strong emotion.
Home
To move directly and precisely toward a specific destination or objective, often used in the phrase “home in on.”
Hone
To make a skill, ability, or tool sharper and more precise through practice and refinement over time.
Honk
To sound a car horn, or to make the loud, harsh cry characteristic of a goose.
Honor
To show deep respect or admiration for someone, or to fulfill a promise, agreement, or commitment as expected.
Hook
To catch, fasten, or attach something using a hook-shaped object, or figuratively, to capture someone’s interest strongly.
Hoot
To make the low, breathy cry of an owl, or to shout loudly in derision, amusement, or disapproval.
Hop
To make a small jump or series of jumps, typically on one foot for people or with both feet together for animals like rabbits.
Hope
To wish for a particular outcome with a sense of optimism or expectation, even when the result isn’t guaranteed.
Horrify
To fill someone with intense shock, fear, or disgust, usually in response to something violent, disturbing, or unexpected.
Hose
To spray water on something using a hose, typically to clean it, cool it down, or water plants.
Host
To organize an event and welcome guests, or to provide the platform, location, or resources for something to take place, like a website.
Hound
To pursue or pressure someone persistently and aggressively, often used to describe relentless questioning or harassment.
House
To provide living space, storage, or shelter for people, animals, or objects, often within a building or facility.
Hover
To stay suspended in the air in one place, like a helicopter or bird, or figuratively, to linger nearby watchfully.
Howl
To let out a long, loud cry, typically associated with wolves and dogs, or made by wind, or by a person in pain or laughter.
Hoodwink
To deceive or trick someone cleverly, often causing them to believe something false or act against their own interest.
Huddle
To crowd close together, often for warmth, protection, or to discuss something privately and quickly, as in a sports team’s huddle.
Hug
To wrap your arms around someone as an expression of affection, comfort, or greeting.
Hum
To make a low, steady, continuous sound, or to sing a melody with your lips closed rather than using words.
Humble
To make someone less proud or arrogant, often by exposing their limitations, or to lower them in rank or importance.
Humiliate
To make someone feel deeply ashamed, foolish, or embarrassed, often publicly and in a way that damages their dignity.
Hunch
To bend your shoulders and back forward, often from tiredness or to peer closely at something, or to sense something intuitively.
Hunger
To feel a strong physical need for food, or figuratively, to have an intense desire or craving for something.
Hunt
To chase and kill wild animals for food or sport, or more broadly, to search determinedly for something, like a job or answer.
Hurdle
To leap over an obstacle while running, or figuratively, to successfully overcome a difficult challenge or problem.
Hurl
To throw something forcefully and often carelessly, or to shout something, like insults, with intensity.
Hurry
To move or do something faster than usual, typically because time is limited or there’s an urgent need to finish.
Hurt
To cause pain, whether physical injury or emotional distress, to a person, or to feel that pain oneself.
Hush
To make someone or something quiet, or to suppress information, as in “hush up” a scandal.
Husk
To remove the dry outer covering, or husk, from grains such as corn or rice before cooking or processing.
Hustle
To move or work with speed and energy, or to push someone roughly, or informally, to obtain something through forceful or deceptive means.
Hydrate
To provide water to the body, skin, or a substance, or to combine a substance chemically with water.
Hyperventilate
To breathe unusually quickly and deeply, often due to anxiety or panic, which can cause dizziness and other symptoms.
Hypnotize
To put someone into a sleep-like, highly suggestible trance state, typically for therapeutic purposes or stage entertainment.
Hypothesize
To form a tentative explanation or theory about something, based on available evidence, that can then be tested further.
Hyphenate
To connect two words, or split a word at a line break, using a hyphen, following standard spelling and grammar conventions.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.