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
This spring, authorities from the Minnesota state government and Hennepin County filed a lawsuit demanding that federal officials hand over the materials currently shielded by DHS and DOJ. Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 The Rangers announced that owner James Dolan is handing over day-to-day responsibilities to his 32-year-old son Quentin. Torrey Hart, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
Fast learning cycles, genuine tolerance for failure, real empowerment and leaner handover structures are competitive differentiators. Manmit Shrimali, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The Fire Department was set to hand control of the building back to Lineage on Monday, but Chief Jaime Moore said that an official handover would have to take place later this week because of ongoing efforts to eliminate hot spots in the warehouse. Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
Verb
  • The Khosla family will be required to relinquish its ownership stake in the 49ers as part of the deal.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • Around 2021, this collector relinquished 34 objects (including the bronze Buddhas).
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • In a statement, Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu confirmed a policy recommendation would be provided by June 2027.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • If approved, the state would have a constitutional mandate to provide free lunches and breakfasts for all K-12 public school students.
    Kirk McClure, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Rescuers recovered 11 bodies, mostly women and children, and handed them over to relatives for burial, Faizi said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Women’s World Cup 2019 Two second-half goals handed the United States victory over the Netherlands.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender, returning the islands to British control.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 8 July 2026
  • Four-hour rehearsal days, repetition until instinct replaces self-consciousness, and a certain surrender to imperfection.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Kunpat said the three men were also dismissed before the completion of their nine-month employment contracts after the attack rendered the ship inoperable.
    Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The decision was rendered Wednesday during a small claims hearing in the county Superior Court division.
    Catherine Muccigrosso July 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Because of that, the resolution called on the Legislature to give counties more oversight.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an ​all-South American affair between Argentina​ and Colombia.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Still others tend the fleet already in orbit, refueling, relocating, and extending the life of satellites, and clearing the debris that crowded orbits leave behind.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • As a result, more producers have chosen to go elsewhere, leaving a quieter landscape for Georgians seeking employment in film and TV.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Of the 12 submissions received, the board initially favored working with Continental Development and Mar Ventures on a plan that would keep Silverado on the site.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Individual and team submissions (teams must have each team member submit their own application and indicate their team) are available on the Official Next New Creator site from July 14 at 10 am KST to August 12 at 2 pm KST (August 11 at 10 pm PST).
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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