yank

¹ American  

[yangk] / yæŋk /

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 American  

[yangk] / yæŋk /

noun

Informal.

1. Yankee.

---

Yank ¹ British  

/ jæŋk /

noun

1. a slang word for an American

2. informal short for Yankee

---

yank ² British  

/ jæŋk /

verb

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

---

noun

1. a sharp jerking movement; tug

Etymology

Origin of yank¹

First recorded in 1810–20; origin uncertain

Origin of Yank²

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; shortened form

Example Sentences

When Columbus’s statue was yanked from Newark, N.J., the city’s mayor insisted that he had no objections to people celebrating Columbus: “We’re just asking that you not make us celebrate him as well.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, yanking the plans for the old frigate class from a Wisconsin shipyard will compound the dysfunction in U.S. shipbuilding, which is driven in part by a fickle Pentagon.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jamerson played only seven choppy minutes, once being yanked after an 11-second stint because of an inability to keep the Highlanders from reaching the rim with ease.

From Los Angeles Times

During an instrumental break, he yanked the emcee onstage to two-step with him.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kids are flowing out of other rooms, and I may have a chance at getting lost in the shuffle —but then I feel a sharp yank at my backpack.

From Literature

Related Words

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