Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To seize or apprehend physically; to get hold of something or someone, often with effort or intent to control. - This meaning emphasizes the physical act of taking possession, sometimes forcefully or after searching. 2. To place one's hands upon someone, often in a ceremonial or religious context, such as for blessing, healing, or ordination. - This meaning refers to a symbolic or ritualistic act involving touch.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning 1 (To seize/get hold of):
  • The police were determined to lay hands on the escaped convict.
  • I need to lay hands on that report before the meeting starts.
  • He finally laid hands on a rare first edition of the book.
• Meaning 2 (To touch ceremonially):
  • The bishop will lay hands on the new priests during the ordination ceremony.
  • In some churches, members lay hands on the sick while praying for healing.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The phrase often implies a sense of acquisition after difficulty or search, especially in the first meaning.
• It can carry a slightly aggressive or determined connotation when referring to seizing a person or object.
• In religious contexts, it is a formal term for a specific ritual act of consecration, blessing, or prayer.

Variants and Related Words

• Lay (one's) hands on: This is the standard form of the phrasal verb. The possessive pronoun can change (e.g., lay hands on, lay hands on).
• Get hold of: A more common, neutral synonym for the first meaning.
• Apprehend / Seize: More formal synonyms for the first meaning when referring to capturing a person.
• Impose hands: A less common, more formal synonym for the second (religious) meaning.

Synonyms

• For Meaning 1: Acquire, get hold of, grab, seize, apprehend, capture, find, obtain.
• For Meaning 2: Bless, anoint, ordain, consecrate (through touch).

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Lay a hand on (someone): To hit or physically harm someone. (Note: This is a distinct idiom, often used in negative constructions: "Don't you dare lay a hand on her!").
• Have one's hands on: To be in possession of something. (e.g., "I wish I had my hands on that information.").

Related Idioms

• Lay hands on oneself: An archaic or formal expression meaning to harm or kill oneself.
• To be laid hands upon: The passive form, meaning to be seized or, in a religious context, to receive the laying on of hands.

Verb

1. manage with the hands