hand over 1 of 2

verb

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to hand
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another handed over their valuables to the desk clerk, who put them in the hotel safe

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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
The man was booked for indecent exposure, and eventually handed over to ICE. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 While some states voluntarily handed over the information, the department sued 30 states and the District of Columbia to obtain it -- lawsuits that so far have been unsuccessful. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
With the country rebuilding after an earthquake and going through its first democratic handover of power, Wen starts picturing a life beyond his hometown. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev attended a ceremony at Thessaloniki's Museum of Byzantine Civilization, where the remains were kept, before the handover. — Costas Kantouris, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand over
  1. relinquish
  2. provide
  3. hand
  4. surrender
  5. render
  6. give
  7. leave
  8. submission
Verb
  • Although dozens of islands were claimed through this process, the overwhelming bulk of these claims were relinquished in the late 20th century as the island countries of Oceania began to achieve independence.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But the pro-Israel lobby is not relinquishing its political power, evidenced by its move to give more than $9 million to support Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race.
    — Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of relinquish
Verb
  • Amphibious skis help the motorcycle remain above the water’s surface, while the front ski provides directional control during the crossing.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the trial provides compelling evidence that a cancer’s individuality can become a therapeutic opportunity.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of provide
Verb
  • Ingrid spotted my car, greeted me with a big hug, and handed me a glass of white wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Queen Camilla, who wears the midi and maxidresses, took her admiration for Me+Em a step further, handing the brand a Royal Warrant as an official supplier of clothing and accessories to the royal household.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of hand
Noun
  • Kandinsky died in France in December 1944, three days short of his 78th birthday and six months shy of Germany’s surrender to Allied forces.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • After a surrender, the infant is taken to a hospital for a medical exam.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • Musk reportedly ordered a slowdown of the military-grade Starlink service used by Ukraine, limiting the speeds at which connected hardware could travel and rendering some offensive and interceptor drones largely ineffective.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities confirmed that the water at the plant had not been chlorinated for about three weeks, rendering it unsafe for human consumption.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of render
Verb
  • The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • This year, the company completed its purchase of Hot Topic, BoxLunch and Her Universe from Sycamore Partners, giving it more than 3,000 stores across North America.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of give
Verb
  • Brown previously served as chairman, but caucus rules state that seniority resets if a senator leaves and then is reelected.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That would leave each side well below the 61 seats needed to form a government with a parliamentary majority.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of leave
Noun
  • Its inventory depends on what sellers send in—making the timing of those submissions particularly relevant ahead of the holidays.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ishizaka has programmed Asian cinema at the festival since 2007, when most submissions were still shot on film.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of submission

Browse Nearby Words

handouts
hand over
handover
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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 Oct. 2026.

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