handshake
|hand/shake|
B1
/ˈhændˌʃeɪk/
greeting or agreement
Etymology
Etymology Information
'handshake' originates from the combination of 'hand' and 'shake', where 'hand' refers to the body part and 'shake' means to move back and forth.
Historical Evolution
'handshake' evolved from the Old English 'hand' and 'sceacan', which meant 'to shake'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to shake hands as a greeting or agreement', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a greeting or form of agreement where two people grasp each other's hands and move them up and down.
They sealed the deal with a firm handshake.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45