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
Trump left and returned to the White House after Sauer handed over questioning to a lawyer representing the plaintiffs suing to overturn his order. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026 But by signing this agreement, a state is effectively handing over the administration of its voter rolls to the federal government. John J. Martin, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
Based on the countdown clock running on its website, U-Boat Worx will complete the official handover to its first Super Sub customer on Thursday. New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2026 But more political controls were introduced to the casino hub in recent years, especially after huge anti-government protests rocked Hong Kong in 2019, the biggest challenge to Beijing’s rule since its handover. ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
Verb
  • If the pair are Shea’s biological parents, Score and Mills would like to learn more about them — but not necessarily relinquish custody of Shea, Hatfield said.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In their eyes, the global economy is to blame for their unsatisfactory job prospects, feminism is to blame for their failures with women, minority rights are forcing them to relinquish their privilege as straight men, and so on.
    Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The challenge is that manure is already extremely nutrient-dense—often providing far more nitrogen and phosphorus than even a productive garden requires.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The district spokesperson said Friday that as part of its contingency planning, LAUSD is preparing to provide take-home instructional materials and access to online learning, along with devices and internet connectivity where needed.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Haley McCutcheon scored two late goals and the Orlando Pride handed Angel City its first loss of the season, 2-1, on Friday night.
    Daily News, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Detectives say Bowen met with another man and handed him a bag that looked like a firearm case.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The film shifts the focus from traditional narratives of policy and victimhood to the everyday experiences of individuals adapting to a life of constant threat, raising critical questions about whether these safety rituals signify true preparedness or a surrender to violence.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, supreme commander of the Luftwaffe, Hitler’s second in command, and the highest-ranking surviving Nazi leader, steps out of the car, stands at attention to announce his surrender, and orders the soldiers to carry his bags.
    Alice Kaplan, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Conservationists celebrated when wolves — which were rendered locally extinct in 1924, the same year that the last grizzly was killed — migrated into the state from Oregon 15 years ago.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Many are rendered in his signature teardrop style, where droplets hold fragments of memory and history.
    Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before his final drill, a friend about 30 yards away gave him some encouragement after a good rep, to which all Wilson could do was smile and shake his head.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Anaheim’s Jeffrey Viel then took elbowing and roughing penalties with 15 seconds left that gave Nashville a man advantage for four minutes, and boos rained down from the Honda Center at the end of the second period for the second straight game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Moments later, the person in the video drove away, leaving the kittens behind but one man quickly stepped in.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The killer exited through the window, walked across neighborhood backyards and down the alley, leaving a trail of evidence behind him.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Meantime, what Michigan has done lately - cruised on a murderous March march that humbled Arizona into submission into the national semifinal - does matter.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Our search for the area’s best started with more than 500 submissions, representing nearly 60 different local businesses.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 2026.

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