hand up

verb

handed up; handing up; hands up

transitive verb

of a jury

: to deliver (an indictment) to a judge or higher judicial authority

Examples of hand up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After the Mercedes swung around and law enforcement vehicles surrounded it, the driver stepped out with his hands up — only to swiftly step back inside. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The star wore a black-and-white polka dot minidress by La Roxx, sheer tights, black pumps and black sunglasses, giving photographers a good look at her engagement ring by holding her hand up to show off her large oval diamond. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Police stopped the Honda sedan, and he was seen in a dashcam video coming out of the car with his hands up in the air. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Muslims who are peace-loving and helpless also need a hand up. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hand up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Legal Definition

hand up

transitive verb

: to deliver (an indictment) to a judge or higher judicial authority