Backhander/ˈbækhændər/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Quick Impact Used for a sudden and impactful action, often in a negative way. The bully's backhander left a mark. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Gesture Describes a physical, violent gesture using the hand, rare in polite society. He was outraged and threw a backhander. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Angle Implies that the action comes from an unexpected direction or angle. She dodged his backhander just in time.