Unhand
verb
To stop touching or holding something or someone.
He ordered the man to unhand his daughter instantly.

Often appears as...
- unhand me
- unhand him
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To stop touching or holding something or someone.
He ordered the man to unhand his daughter instantly.

Often appears as...
- unhand me
- unhand him
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 1

Archaic Usage
Use 'unhand' mainly in historical or dramatic contexts, as it's considered old-fashioned in modern language.

The knight shouted, 'Unhand her, scoundrel!'
Authority Figure
'Unhand' often indicates an order; the speaker usually has authority or desperation.

The police officer bellowed, 'Unhand the weapon!'
Physical Touch
The word is used when someone is physically holding something or someone against will.

The mother cried out, 'Unhand my child at once!'
Compare with
dropfreereleaserelinquish
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