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

Foreign policy becomes an instrument of naked personal despotism, with favors bestowed on those who burnish the leader’s vanity, and yanked away from those who decline to do so.

From Salon

McDonald yanked the plane from an upright position and tumbled over into a glide, drawing gasps that transformed into cheers.

From Los Angeles Times

“The terror in the kids eyes, them yanking my shirt, begging me to take them with them.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then suddenly, a blaring car horn yanked him back to reality — without having known, or cared, he stood directly behind a reversing car, in front of a fully occupied home.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirsh uses the distraction to yank Morrow off balance and choke him out.

From Salon

Related Words

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