As a Noun: 1. The act of holding someone's right hand in your own and moving it up and down when you are meeting them, saying goodbye to them, or congratulating them. English = handshake. 2. The act of praising someone for something they have done, especially by shaking their hand. English = congratulations. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To take someone's hand in your hand and hold it firmly or move it up and down. You do this as a sign of greeting, to show that you have agreed about something, or to congratulate them. English = shake hands. 2. To praise someone for something they have done, especially by shaking their hand. English = congratulate.