unhand

[uhn-hand]

verb (used with object)

1. to take the hand or hands from; release from a grasp; let go.

   Unhand me, you wretched coward!

unhand

/ ʌnˈhænd /

verb

1. archaic,  (tr) to release from the grasp

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhand¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + hand

Example Sentences

“Oh, I’ll unhand you,” said Bronwyn, and then she picked him up, stuffed him headfirst into the booth, and barred the door shut with his umbrella.

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"Oh, unhand your sword. One cry from me and Shagga will burst in and kill you. With an axe, not a wineskin."

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The rapid intervention to force Saddam Hussein to unhand Kuwait and its oil was a remarkable show of concerted political will, Mr. Piketty said.

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"Were ye told to unhand him, dolts?" he shouted.

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Alive, well, safe!" roared back the minstrel; "unhand me!

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