spank

[ spangk ]

/ spæŋk /

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See synonyms for: spank / spanking on Thesaurus.com

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.

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Origin of spank

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

Words nearby spank

Spanish topaz, Spanish trefoil, Spanish West Africa, Spanish West African, Spanish windlass, spank, spanker, spanking, span loading, spanner, span-new

Other definitions for spank (2 of 2)

spank²

[ spangk ]

/ spæŋk /

verb (used without object)

to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.

Origin of spank

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spank in a sentence

Italy got through with a perfect record, and went on to spank West Germany in the final at the Bernabeu in Madrid.
What’s The 2022 World Cup’s Group Of Death? It’s Tough To Pick Just One.|Terrence Doyle|November 10, 2022|FiveThirtyEight
“There’s this huge wave of people who are brand spanking new to this situation,” said Sebastian Martinez of Chula Vista-based Community Through Hope.
San Diegans Are Falling into Homelessness Faster Than the Region Can House Them|Lisa Halverstadt|October 25, 2022|Voice of San Diego
Over the years, I’d become acutely sensitive to the quality of this thumping, from the hollow slap of summer rills spanking the sand to the bunker-busting thunder of midwinter monsters.
Ocean Lovers, This Little-Known Book from the Sixties Is Required Reading|jversteegh|October 25, 2021|Outside Online
Both officers repeatedly advised the mother to “beat” or “spank” the child at home.
Montgomery County police release video showing officers yelling at 5-year-old boy|Dan Morse|March 27, 2021|Washington Post

In the morning I met Mr. Spank waiting for me at the entrance, and very desirous to see me.
Lorna Doone|R. D. Blackmore
She did not see, comin' up over the horizon, and gittin' nearer every day, the stern and horrid Spank!
The Confessions of a Daddy|Ellis Parker Butler
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 Butler
Thou hast swindled the money thyself, foul Spank; I know thee, though thou art new to me.
Lorna Doone|R. D. Blackmore
By 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. Snell

British Dictionary definitions for spank (1 of 2)

spank¹

/ (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

British Dictionary definitions for spank (2 of 2)

spank²

/ (spæŋk) /

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

Origin of spank

Words nearby spank

Other definitions for spank (2 of 2)

Origin of spank

Words related to spank

How to use spank in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spank (1 of 2)

Word Origin for spank

British Dictionary definitions for spank (2 of 2)

Word Origin for spank