handle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
    grip; hold; handgrip.
    • he grabbed the hammer by the handle
    • it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
  2. verb be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
    manage; deal; care.
    • I can deal with this crew of workers
    • This blender can't handle nuts
    • She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
  3. verb interact in a certain way
    do by; treat.
    • Do right by her
    • Treat him with caution, please
    • Handle the press reporters gently
  4. verb act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
    plow; deal; cover; treat; address.
    • This book deals with incest
    • The course covered all of Western Civilization
    • The new book treats the history of China
  5. verb touch, lift, or hold with the hands
    palm.
    • Don't handle the merchandise
  6. verb handle effectively
    manage; wield.
    • The burglar wielded an axe
    • The young violinist didn't manage her bow very well
  7. verb show and train
    • The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott

WordNet

Han"dle transitive verb
Etymology
OE. handlen, AS. handian; akin to D. handelen to trade, G. handeln. See Hand.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Handled ; present participle & verbal noun Handling
Definitions
  1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
    Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh. Luke xxiv. 39.
    About his altar, handling holy things. Milton.
  2. To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
    That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper. Shak.
  3. To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
    The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year. Sir W. Temple.
  4. To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
  5. To deal with; to make a business of.
    They that handle the law knew me not. Jer. ii. 8.
  6. To treat; to use, well or ill.
    How wert thou handled being prisoner. Shak.
  7. To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
    You shall see how I will handle her. Shak.
  8. To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
    We will handle what persons are apt to envy others. Bacon.
Han"dle intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To use the hands.
    They have hands, but they handle not. Ps. cxv. 7.
Han"dle noun
Etymology
AS. handle. See Hand.
Definitions
  1. That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
  2. That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool. South.

Webster 1913