Definition

Verb (transitive) To formally transfer or assign ownership, rights, or title of something to another person or entity by signing a legal document.

Usage

This verb is used in legal, financial, and official contexts to describe the act of relinquishing one's claim to an asset or right through a signature. It implies a permanent and formal transfer.

Examples

• He signed over the deed to the house to his daughter.
• The author signed over the film rights to the production company.
• Before the surgery, the patient signed over power of attorney to her husband.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb is often used in passive constructions to describe the state of the asset or right.
  • The property was signed over to the new owners last week.
• It can be used with the preposition "to" to specify the recipient.
  • She signed the royalties over to a charitable trust.

Variants and Related Words

• Sign away: A near-synonymous phrasal verb, often used interchangeably with "sign over," though it can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of loss or relinquishment.
  • He foolishly signed away his inheritance.

Synonyms

• Transfer
• Convey
• Assign
• Deed over

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hand over: To give something to someone. This is more general and less formal than "sign over."
  • Please hand over the keys.
• Turn over: To give something to someone in authority or to change control.
  • The manager turned over the documents to the police.

Verb

1. formally assign ownership of
   • She signed away her rights