hand over 1 of 2

Definition of hand overnext
1
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress the police officer ordered the suspect to hand over his weapons

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2
as in to provide
to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption in response to a desperate plea, we handed over all our extra blankets and pillows to the homeless shelter

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3
4
as in to pass
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another hand over that screwdriver, will you please?

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handover

2 of 2

noun

as in surrender
the usually forced yielding of one's person or possessions to the control of another though the handover of my wallet was painful, it was better than getting shot by some trigger-happy punk

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hand over
Verb
Tang knew by then he would be imprisoned for not handing over the information. Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 In the chamber, Hood extends one shaking hand over Silvia, his other hand lightly bracing Silvia’s leg as the three drugs are being administered in sequence. Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
But concerns remain about the ADAS handover back to a driver as well as on people over-relying on the systems. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 Their feud derailed Colombia’s formal handover process, leaving key agencies — including the national disaster management agency — in the hands of officials de la Espriella attacked as a candidate. ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
Verb
  • Goss voluntarily relinquished his Missouri law license and surrendered his right to practice law in Kansas.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • During her tenure, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished their titles; Voigt had accused Rose of a toxic workplace culture.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.
    Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, Pitarch has been handed an improved contract and is now considered a first-team player, despite retaining a Castilla squad number.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Days after the government reopened, the department signed agreements handing billions in grant programs to other federal agencies.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Forgo those weapons, as the Iranians have done until now, and the result is destruction, attempts at regime change, and demands for unconditional surrender.
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • So far this year, MDSPCA has handled 6% more surrenders than in years past.
    Tara Lynch, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers are already documenting these effects, which threaten to render the hard work of wrestling with ideas a lost art.
    Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In a Texas hospital this week, doctors performed a complex, high-risk, open-heart surgery on a 6-day-old boy born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital condition that rendered part of his heart underdeveloped.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wrangle the camera crew, line up the weirdly uninspiring but nonetheless eye-wateringly expensive homes, and for the love of God, somebody give the British TV presenting duo Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp a ring.
    Lauren O’Neill, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • First, the power goes out, leaving Bret wandering the halls as lights flicker around him.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Top Gear has not been on air since 2022, but a return was always likely, given the BBC Studios franchise is too big to leave in the garage.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Its closest showing came in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai submission ever to reach the 15-title shortlist.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Eiren’s pick now advances to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will winnow submissions from countries around the world down to a shortlist of 15 films before narrowing to five nominees.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand%20over. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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