English

Verb

open-hand ‎(third-person singular simple present open-hands, present participle open-handing, simple past and past participle open-handed)

1. To perform an action using an open hand.
   • 1997, Steve Boga, Caving, ISBN 0811727106, page 111:

     If you face a little larger, or positive, edge, open-hand the hold, as it lets more of the skeletal system of the hand bear the brunt.

   • 2009, Dan Kois, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Facing Future, ISBN 1441105751, page 31:

     Israel landed in county lockup in 1981 after open-handing a white guy in Waikiki.

   • 2011, Peter Beal, Bouldering: Movement, Tactics, and Problem Solving, ISBN 1594855013:

     Often you will find yourself doing unlikely things such as crimping a sloper or open-handing a severely incut small edge.

Usage notes

Most commonly, the implied action that is performed with an open hand is hitting, however, the term can be used for other actions in specialized contexts, as shown in the quotes.