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

Explanation

To spank is to hit someone with an open palm, especially as punishment. You should never spank your dog, even when she chews your favorite shoes; a firm "No!" is a strong enough correction. To spank is to slap, most often on the rear end. In some places, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent to spank their child for misbehaving, but spanking is increasingly seen as potentially harmful—and in some countries, it's even illegal. Spank is an imitative word, which means it was coined as an imitation of the sound of a spank on skin.

Example Sentences

There’s plenty of time for the market to spank Musk even more than it has the past few months.

From Slate • May 1, 2025

Liverpool are not just in the top half, they are a top team and they are in top spot - and they are going to spank them.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2023

Putin responded that “it’s better not to spank children and not to cite traditions,” but agreed that “unceremonious interference with the family is unacceptable,” and promised to review the law.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2021

November saw Tottenham spank Chelsea at Wembley and Manchester City claim victory in the first Manchester derby of the season.

From The Guardian • May 14, 2019

We might therefore assume that parents who spank are unenlightened in other ways.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash