: characterized by noninterference
a hands-off policy toward the internal affairs of other nations

Examples of hands-off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With this mostly hands-off technique, the ingredients are combined on a single baking sheet, then roasted in the oven. Christopher Kimball, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2024 But the somewhat fluid, hands-off approach has led to problems in some instances. Seamus Webster, Fortune, 10 June 2024 But in practice, the lines are blurry; producers are neither as fully controlling as some cast members believe nor as purely hands-off as Coelen suggests. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 4 June 2024 Image While many in the diaspora have thrown themselves into campaigning, others have taken a more hands-off approach. John Yoon, New York Times, 30 May 2024 Another gripe: a hands-off approach when Thinx battled a forever-chemicals lawsuit that jilted loyal customers. Peter Vanham, Fortune, 29 May 2024 While police soon shut down the Columbia encampment and similar protest sites at other universities, police in Michigan initially took a hands-off approach to the encampment in Ann Arbor. Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2024 Although camping on campus property is banned by a state rule, school administrators took a hands-off approach and declined to send in police. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024 Prior to Godwin’s departure, CNN reported that staff had lost patience with her hands-off leadership style. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 6 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hands-off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hands-off was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near hands-off

Cite this Entry

“Hands-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hands-off. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.

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