spank

¹ American  

[spangk] / spæŋk /

verb (used with object)

1. to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.

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noun

spanks plural

1. a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.

spank ² American  

[spangk] / spæŋk /

verb (used without object)

1. to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.

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spank ¹ British  

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. (tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks

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noun

1. a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand

spank ² British  

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. (intr) to go at a quick and lively pace

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• spanks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of spank¹

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

Origin of spank²

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Explanation

To spank is to hit someone with an open palm, especially as punishment. You should never spank your dog, even when she chews your favorite shoes; a firm "No!" is a strong enough correction. To spank is to slap, most often on the rear end. In some places, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent to spank their child for misbehaving, but spanking is increasingly seen as potentially harmful—and in some countries, it's even illegal. Spank is an imitative word, which means it was coined as an imitation of the sound of a spank on skin.

Example Sentences

He posted a photo on Instagram showing himself and comics Na’im Lynn and Spank Horton and stylist John Burgandee squatting with hands clasped in prayer.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2018

I love books with titles like, “How Do You Spank a Porcupine?,”

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2018

Spank the Plank can be heard on BBC Radio 4 at 1130 GMT on Thursday 6 November.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2014

This included the 2005 compilation album Sliver: The Best of the Box, packed with demos and outtakes, including a 1985 demo of "Spank Thru"—the only recording ever released by Fecal Matter, Kurt Cobain's first band.

From Slate • Jul. 14, 2011

"My lord, my lord," whispered Mr. Spank, the chief-officer of evidence, "the thing hath been overlooked, my lord, among such grave matters of treason."

From Lorna Doone A Romance of Exmoor by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash