Hand over Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hand over

[ˈhænd ˈoʊvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

transfer

To give someone else control or responsibility for something.

Synonyms

give up, pass on, surrender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hand over	When transferring possession or control of something to someone else. Often used with physical objects or responsibilities. She handed over the keys to the new owner. The manager handed over the project to his assistant.
give up	When stopping an activity or letting go of a possession, often because of difficulty or defeat. It has a slightly negative connotation of failure or reluctance. He decided to give up smoking. After hours of searching, they had to give up the hunt.
pass on	When transmitting or delivering information, objects, or responsibilities to another person. It can also mean declining something or suggesting a refusal politely. Please pass on the message to the rest of the team. Grandma passed on her treasured recipe to my mother.
surrender	When yielding or giving up control, often in the context of conflict, competition, or admitting defeat. It has a strong negative connotation of losing or submitting. The enemy army had no choice but to surrender. He surrendered his license after the incident.

Examples of usage

Please hand over your passport at the border.
I will hand over the project to you once I finish my part.

^{Context #2 | Phrasal verb}

surrender

To give yourself up to the authorities.

Synonyms

surrender, turn oneself in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hand over	Used when giving something to someone, typically in a transfer of possession or control. Please hand over the documents before leaving the office. He had to hand over the car keys after getting caught speeding.
surrender	Used primarily in situations involving conflict or competitions where someone is giving up or yielding, often seen in military or competitive contexts. This word can also carry a negative connotation of defeat or loss. The army had no choice but to surrender after being surrounded. She decided to surrender the game after realizing she couldn't win.
turn oneself in	Used when someone voluntarily goes to the authorities, usually the police, to admit involvement in a crime or to comply with legal proceedings. After years on the run, he decided to turn himself in to the police. She knew it was the right thing to do, so she turned herself in.

Word

Description / Examples

hand over

Used when giving something to someone, typically in a transfer of possession or control.

Please hand over the documents before leaving the office.
He had to hand over the car keys after getting caught speeding.

surrender

Used primarily in situations involving conflict or competitions where someone is giving up or yielding, often seen in military or competitive contexts. This word can also carry a negative connotation of defeat or loss.

The army had no choice but to surrender after being surrounded.
She decided to surrender the game after realizing she couldn't win.

turn oneself in

Used when someone voluntarily goes to the authorities, usually the police, to admit involvement in a crime or to comply with legal proceedings.

After years on the run, he decided to turn himself in to the police.
She knew it was the right thing to do, so she turned herself in.

Examples of usage

The criminal finally decided to hand himself over to the police.
If you hand yourself over now, the punishment may be less severe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal terms, 'hand over' often pertains to the transfer of possession, like handing over documents or property.
The phrase frequently appears in law enforcement and criminal contexts when talking about surrendering evidence or suspects.
Formal requests to 'hand over' items can lead to significant consequences if not complied with, reflecting authority.

Cultural References

In popular media, the phrase is often depicted in scenes where characters pass crucial items, symbolizing trust and responsibility.
The act of 'handing over' often features in stories or movies where a hero must deliver an important object for the mission's success.
In various cultures, the act of sharing or 'handing over' gifts is significant during festivals or communal gatherings.

Psychology

The action of 'handing over' involves trust, as it requires confidence that the other person will accept or protect the item.
Studies show that the physical act of handing over an object can enhance social bonds between people.
The ability to 'hand over' also relates to concepts of generosity and sharing, crucial for social relationships.

Origin of 'hand over'

Main points about word origin

The phrase comes from the combination of 'hand', meaning the part of the body used for giving, and 'over', meaning to move across.
In Old English, the word 'hand' is related to the word 'hond', which also meant the same part of the body.
The concept of 'handing over' has been part of the English language for hundreds of years, indicating transfer or exchange.

The origin of the phrase 'hand over' can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was used in the context of transferring control or responsibility from one person to another. The verb 'hand' originally comes from Old English 'hand', meaning the part of the human body at the end of the arm. 'Over' is a Middle English word derived from Old English 'ofer', meaning above or across. Over time, 'hand over' has become a common phrasal verb in the English language.