yank
verb (used with or without object)
to pull or remove abruptly and vigorously.
were yanking
-
past progressiveof yank.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines all quickly announced they were yanking the mask requirement for domestic and some international flights.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 19, 2022
I had thrown it away in a cinematic fashion, as if I were yanking off my tie and stomping away from my job.
From The Guardian ● May 7, 2016
They were yanking away the boards from beneath the hardened concrete floor of the 4,200-ft. span.
From Time Magazine Archive
By last week workmen were yanking the wire trees and make-believe houses off many camouflaged war plants.
From Time Magazine Archive
Francesca paused to address the cats, who were yanking her in opposite directions.
From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate
