yank

[ yangk ]
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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.

noun
  1. an abrupt, vigorous pull; jerk.

Origin of yank

1
First recorded in 1810–20; origin uncertain

Other words for yank

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Other definitions for Yank (2 of 2)

Yank
[ yangk ]

noun, adjectiveInformal.

Origin of Yank

2
An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; shortened form

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use yank in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for yank (1 of 2)

yank

/ (jæŋk) /


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

noun
  1. a sharp jerking movement; tug

Origin of yank

1
C19: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for Yank (2 of 2)

Yank

/ (jæŋk) /


noun
  1. a slang word for an American

  2. US informal short for Yankee

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012