quack
1the harsh, throaty cry of a duck or any similar sound.
to utter the cry of a duck or a sound resembling it.
Origin of quack
1Words Nearby quack
Other definitions for quack (2 of 2)
a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill: Desperation for a cure led her to a quack who took her money.
a person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skill, knowledge, or qualifications they do not possess; a charlatan.
being a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to skills, especially medical skills: He's just a quack psychologist who complicates everyone's problems.
presented falsely as having curative powers: quack medicine.
of, relating to, or befitting a quack or quackery: Her quack methods have helped no one.
to treat in the manner of a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.
to advertise or sell with fraudulent claims.
Origin of quack
2Other words for quack
Other words from quack
- quack·ish, adjective
- quack·ish·ly, adverb
- quack·ish·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use quack in a sentence
For example, an Instagram search on healthy eating can bring up links for quack diets or sites promoting disordered eating habits.
Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety? | Kathiann Kowalski | November 1, 2021 | Science News For StudentsTheir conspiracy theorists and quack cure purveyors were kept at the fringes, not given nightly forums on national television.
The pandemic didn’t have to be politicized. One party is to blame for it. | Paul Waldman | September 27, 2021 | Washington PostOnce a new queen emerges, she stops quacking and starts tooting.
Quacks and toots help young honeybee queens avoid deadly duels | Sharon Oosthoek | September 14, 2020 | Science News For StudentsExtraordinary things occurred the last time Republicans took legislative power away from a liberal quack.
Humor and historical distance allow me to illustrate how a quack operates in a way that I could not with a contemporary example.
The Strange, True Tale of the Old-Timey Goat Testicle-Implanting 'Governor' | Penny Lane | September 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Many people quote quack “scientists” in a desperate attempt to deny climate change and our role in it.
What matters is that race evolved into the Avoca quack-Off, one of Nebraska's quirkiest -- or quackiest -- winter events.
Google his name, and the top two related searches come up as “Daniel Amen scam” and “Daniel Amen quack.”
If you find a physician opposed to the use of antitoxin this simply means that he is a quack.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine | Austin MalleyNo, I'm only going to save the reputation of AEsculapius by giving him a prescription got from a quack to give to a goose.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert Parker"Only a quack medical concern looking for a stall to impress their come-ons," explained Waldemar.
Average Jones | Samuel Hopkins Adams"I'll have my lawyer draw up a form of contract and mail it after you to-morrow," promised the quack with a crafty look.
Average Jones | Samuel Hopkins AdamsWhy, I assumed that your quest of the quack's scion would have trained you down fit for anything.
Average Jones | Samuel Hopkins Adams
British Dictionary definitions for quack (1 of 2)
/ (kwæk) /
(of a duck) to utter a harsh guttural sound
to make a noise like a duck
the harsh guttural sound made by a duck
Origin of quack
1British Dictionary definitions for quack (2 of 2)
/ (kwæk) /
an unqualified person who claims medical knowledge or other skills
(as modifier): a quack doctor
British, Australian and NZ informal a doctor; physician or surgeon
(intr) to act in the manner of a quack
Origin of quack
2Derived forms of quack
- quackish, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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