spank

¹

[ spangk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.

noun

1. a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.

spank

²

[ spangk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.

spank

¹

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. intr to go at a quick and lively pace

spank

²

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. tr to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks

noun

1. a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of spank¹

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

Origin of spank²

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Word History and Origins

Origin of spank¹

C19: back formation from spanking ²

Origin of spank²

C18: probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Right-wing commentator and Fox News exile Tucker Carlson rallied a crowd in Georgia by comparing a potential Trump victory to "Dad coming home" to give a "vigorous spanking" to a "bad little girl."

From Salon

A Metropolitan Police officer has been sacked after a misconduct panel found he assaulted a 12-year-old child by "spanking her bare bottom on numerous occasions".

From BBC

To be even more frank about it, you were being spanked like a child.

From Salon

He leaves an era when it was perfectly acceptable to spank students with baseball bats, smoke on public transit and treat women like second-class citizens.

From New York Times

This included yelling, screaming and shouting at their child; and physical punishment such as spanking.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash