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.

---

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.

---

spank ¹ British  

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. (tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks

---

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

---

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

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

“Are you going to spank me for lying — not for dropping out?” thinks David in adulthood, after belatedly informing his parents that he’s ditched the master’s program in Harvard’s Department of Soviet Studies.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2022

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

Do I involve myself in their parenting and tell them they cannot spank their child in my house?

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2019

They don’t spank us or rap us on the knuckles with rulers or wash our mouths out with soap, all of that stuff you read about in old-fashioned books.

From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash