spank
1[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
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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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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of spank
1First recorded in 1720–30; imitative
Definition for spank (2 of 2)
spank2
[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
verb (used without object)
to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.
Origin of spank
2First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for spank
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Year after year, rain water floods spanking new roads and underpasses, causing immense traffic snarls, and leaving wealthy residents locked inside their condominiums.
India’s glittering Gurugram remains a model of how not to build a new city|Manavi Kapur|October 10, 2020|Quartz
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
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