Handshake
/ˈhændʃeɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA greeting or farewell gesture where two people grasp each other's hand and move it up and down.
/ˈhændʃeɪk/
A gesture of greeting, agreement, or farewell.
We exchanged a handshake to finalize the agreement.
💡 Simply: It's like a friendly hand hug! You grab someone's hand and give it a little wiggle to say hello, goodbye, or 'we agree!'
👶 For kids: When you hold someone's hand and move it up and down to say hello or goodbye.
More Examples
He offered a warm handshake to welcome the guests.
A firm handshake can make a good first impression.
How It's Used
"A firm handshake is often considered a sign of confidence."
"They sealed the deal with a handshake."
To clasp another person's hand with one's own and move it slightly, typically as a greeting or sign of agreement.
/ˈhændʃeɪk/
To greet or acknowledge someone with a handshake.
They handshook after signing the contract.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're greeting someone – you reach out, grab their hand, and give it a little shake. That's to handshake them!
👶 For kids: To hold someone's hand and move it up and down.
More Examples
He handshakes the new employee.
It's customary to handshake when meeting someone for the first time.
How It's Used
"He shook hands with everyone in the room."
"The president handshakes with each graduate."
Idioms & expressions
shake hands with someone
To greet or say goodbye to someone by clasping their hand.
"I shook hands with the CEO at the conference."
firm handshake
A strong and confident handshake, indicating sincerity and confidence.
"He greeted us with a firm handshake."
From Middle English *hændshaken*, equivalent to hand + shake. The verb form likely predates the noun. It initially described the action and the resulting handclasp as a sign of greeting, agreement, or farewell.
Handshaking has ancient roots, appearing in art from classical times, often symbolizing peace, trust, or an agreement between equals. The formal gesture has evolved significantly across time and cultures.
Memory tip
Think of 'hand' and 'shake' – two hands shaking!
Word Origin
"The gesture of clasping hands and moving them as a greeting or farewell."