verb
unhand
uhn-HAND
Unhand (verb) means to let go of someone or something held in the hand or grip. Example: “Unhand me at once!" she cried, pulling away from his grip.”
verb
1
To let go of someone or something held in the hand or grip.
"As he dried the last toe, she said, “Thank you. You may now unhand my feet”"
— Anne Gracie, The Stolen Princess (2008)
""Unhand me at once!" she cried, pulling away from his grip."
How to use unhand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo release your grip on someone or something.
When to use it
Sounds old-fashioned or theatrical in modern English — mostly used humorously or in dramatic/historical writing, as in "unhand me, villain!"
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- unhands
- Past tense
- unhanded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____ me at once!" she cried, pulling away from his grip.
Etymology
From un- + hand.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unhand” mean?
The word “unhand” means to let go of someone or something held in the hand or grip. In plain terms, to release your grip on someone or something.
How do you pronounce “unhand”?
“Unhand” is pronounced uhn-HAND (/ʌnˈhænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “unhand” in a sentence?
Here is “unhand” used in a sentence: “"Unhand me at once!" she cried, pulling away from his grip.”
What part of speech is “unhand”?
“Unhand” is a verb.
