Antonyms for handle


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : han-dl
Phonetic Transcription : ˈhæn dl


Definition of handle

Origin :
  • Old English handle, formed from hand (n.) with instrumental suffix -le indicating a tool in the way thimble was formed from thumb. The slang sense of "nickname" is first recorded 1870, originally U.S., from earlier expressions about adding a handle to (one's) name, i.e. a title such as Mister or Sir, attested from 1833. To fly off the handle (1833) is a figurative reference to an ax head (to be off the handle "be excited" is recorded from 1825, American English). To get a handle on "get control of" is first recorded 1972.
  • noun something to grip
  • noun nickname
  • verb touch
  • verb manage, take care of
  • verb carry as merchandise
Example sentences :
  • The question, he said, was one for a responsible Ministry alone to handle.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • This tassel is for catching the blood and preventing it from greasing the handle.
  • Extract from : « Viviette » by William J. Locke
  • Cool enough to handle and then remove the skin and the roots.
  • Extract from : « Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 3 » by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
  • They are "safe, because they are too filthy to handle, and too noisome even to approach."
  • Extract from : « The Story of the Malakand Field Force » by Sir Winston S. Churchill
  • Something was wrong; it would not turn; she drew it out and tried the handle.
  • Extract from : « Quaint Courtships » by Various
  • In this machine, the barrel was fitted with a crank, and rotated by handle.
  • Extract from : « Heroes of the Telegraph » by J. Munro
  • Upon which door the turnkey knocked with the handle of his key.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • The man turned the handle of the Break of Day door, and limped in.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • Slowly and sadly she crossed the room and turned the handle of the door.
  • Extract from : « The Incomplete Amorist » by E. Nesbit
  • It had died down and left him competent as ever to handle the scene.
  • Extract from : « The Incomplete Amorist » by E. Nesbit

Synonyms for handle

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019