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

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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Etymology

Origin of spank¹

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

Origin of spank²

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Example Sentences

"He absolutely didn't deserve that. Some of those fans should take a long, hard look at themselves for the way they mocked him. I hope Villa go there and spank them, just because of that."

From BBC

But quality with the corner for Casemiro's goal and then that free-kick - you get in team of the week if you spank one of them in the top bin.

From BBC

Sharon Schmeling, one of the couple’s children, said her father told her the surgery went well and that her mother had a “brand spanking new knee.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“When we’re launching a new movie like this, any time it’s brand spanking new, it takes a little more work to get retailers excited,” Lee said.

From The Wall Street Journal

It's a long way for Ipswich fans to travel to watch their team get spanked, then go all the way back to East Anglia.

From BBC

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash