spank1
[spangk]
- 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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- a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.
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Origin of spank1
First recorded in 1720–30; imitative
spank2
[spangk]
- to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.
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Origin of spank2
First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
thrashchastisesmackflogclobbertrimcanecloutbliplicktanwhipbelthidesockpaddlecuffpunishpunchbuffetExamples from the Web for spank
Historical Examples
By dint of diligent bailing they had forced their crazy dory, towed by the equally crazy “Spank Me Again,” to carry them home.
Green EyesRoy J. Snell
In the morning I met Mr. Spank waiting for me at the entrance, and very desirous to see me.
Lorna DooneR. D. Blackmore
Just the night before the day of the Spank, Marthy had begun to teach her her religious education.
The Confessions of a DaddyEllis Parker Butler
spank1
- (tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks
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- a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand
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Word Origin
C18: probably of imitative origin
spank2
- (intr) to go at a quick and lively pace
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Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for spank
v.
1727, possibly imitative of the sound of spanking. Related: Spanked; spanking. The noun is from 1785.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper