When one raises the hand up with the palm facing towards the opposite person, it means to stop in America and British countries. In a stop sign, the hand is tilted forward. This means the person is in an authoritative figure and asking one to Stop. If the fingers are pushing down, it will indicate that the gesture is indicated for the person to sit down or settle. This is not a defensive hand gesture and is in fact a gesture to take control over the person it is intended for. If you were to use this sign in Singapore or Malaysia, it would mean that one is trying to hail someones attention like a waiter or asking for permission to speak.