1.VerbUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see raise, hand.
"She raised her hand to touch his face."
2.VerbTo use the gesture (either literally or figuratively) in order:
To volunteer.
"The sergeant asked for someone to cross the minefield, and Private Muggins raised his hand.; "Who wants more money?" asked the trade union boss. All the men raised their hands.; The President said that he would now take questions, and several reporters raised their hands.; Little Timmy raised his hand to go to the toilet."
3.VerbTo volunteer.
"The sergeant asked for someone to cross the minefield, and Private Muggins raised his hand."
4.VerbTo vote; to indicate agreement or approval.
""Who wants more money?" asked the trade union boss. All the men raised their hands."
5.VerbTo ask a question or make a request.
"The President said that he would now take questions, and several reporters raised their hands.; Little Timmy raised his hand to go to the toilet."
6.VerbTo assault physically, notionally with the hand or fist.
"A man should not raise his hand against his wife."