yank

¹

[yangk]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to pull or remove abruptly and vigorously.

   Yank down on the bell rope. He was yanked out of school.

   Synonyms: tear, tug, pluck

noun

1. an abrupt, vigorous pull; jerk.

Yank

²

[yangk]

noun

Informal.

1. Yankee.

Yank

¹

/ jæŋk /

noun

1. a slang word for an American

2. informal,  short for Yankee

yank

²

/ jæŋk /

verb

1. to pull, jerk, or move with a sharp movement; tug

noun

1. a sharp jerking movement; tug

Word History and Origins

Origin of yank¹

First recorded in 1810–20; origin uncertain

Origin of yank²

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; shortened form

Word History and Origins

Origin of yank¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

I cry, yanking my hand away at the last second.

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“Mind the hair, Cassawoof,” he admonished, for she had grabbed the two pigtails as reins and was yanking them this way and that.

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Penelope yanked at the overgrowth, but the vines were as thick around as her wrist.

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Lady Constance searched and yanked vigorously on a cord, which turned out to be the tieback for the drapes.

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What if he yanks Clipper’s tail, just to hear him yowl?

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Related Words

• jerk 
• snap 
• snatch 
• tear 
• tug 
• wrench