"handles" in the noun sense

1. handle, grip, handgrip, hold

the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

"he grabbed the hammer by the handle"

"it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip"

"handles" in the verb sense

1. manage, deal, care, handle

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

"I can deal with this crew of workers"

"This blender can't handle nuts"

"She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old"

2. treat, handle, do by

interact in a certain way

"Do right by her"

"Treat him with caution, please"

"Handle the press reporters gently"

3. cover, treat, handle, plow, deal, address

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

"This book deals with incest"

"The course covered all of Western Civilization"

"The new book treats the history of China"

4. handle, palm

touch, lift, or hold with the hands

"Don't handle the merchandise"

5. wield, handle, manage

handle effectively

"The burglar wielded an axe"

"The young violinist didn't manage her bow very well"

6. handle

show and train

"The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott"

Source: WordNet® (An amazing lexical database of English)

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