spank
1[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
verb (used with object)
to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.
noun
a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.
RELATED WORDS
thrash, chastise, smack, flog, clobber, trim, cane, clout, blip, lick, tan, whip, belt, hide, sock, paddle, cuff, punish, punch, buffet
Nearby words
- spanish west africa,
- spanish west african,
- spanish windlass,
- spanish-american,
- spanish-american war,
- spanker,
- spanking,
- spankingly,
- spanner,
- spanrail
Origin of spank
1First recorded in 1720–30; imitative
spank
2[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
verb (used without object)
to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.
Origin of spank
2First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for spank
Just the night before the day of the Spank, Marthy had begun to teach her her religious education.
The Confessions of a Daddy|Ellis Parker ButlerBy dint of diligent bailing they had forced their crazy dory, towed by the equally crazy “Spank Me Again,” to carry them home.
Green Eyes|Roy J. SnellIn the morning I met Mr. Spank waiting for me at the entrance, and very desirous to see me.
Lorna Doone|R. D. Blackmore
spank
1/ (spæŋk) /
verb
(tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks
noun
a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand
Word Origin for spank
C18: probably of imitative origin
verb
(intr) to go at a quick and lively pace
Word Origin for spank
C19: back formation from spanking ²
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
spank
1727, possibly imitative of the sound of spanking. Related: Spanked; spanking. The noun is from 1785.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper