spank
1 Americanverb (used with object)
noun
verb (used without object)
verb
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He posted a photo on Instagram showing himself and comics Na’im Lynn and Spank Horton and stylist John Burgandee squatting with hands clasped in prayer.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2018
A Radio 4 documentary, Spank the Plank looks to rehabilitate the technique, which can loosely be described as "whacking the strings with your thumb".
From BBC • Nov. 5, 2014
Now he serves as the head of Bad Blood Records and recently whittled Spank Rock down to a solo act.
From New York Times • May 29, 2014
This included the 2005 compilation album Sliver: The Best of the Box, packed with demos and outtakes, including a 1985 demo of "Spank Thru"—the only recording ever released by Fecal Matter, Kurt Cobain's first band.
From Slate • Jul. 14, 2011
"Jock McChesney, if I thought that you meant half of what you've said to-night about honor, and ethics, and all that, I'd—" "Spank me, I suppose," said the young six-footer.
From Personality Plus Some Experiences of Emma McChesney and Her Son, Jock by Ferber, Edna
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
