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

As his wife, Paula, started driving, he quickly yanked the garage door back down.

From Los Angeles Times

Then he yanked up that bridge up and decided, at age 81, to seek another term.

From Los Angeles Times

Illegal immigration was significantly reduced under Trump, but at the price of inhumanely yanking small children from their mothers’ arms and caging them.

From Los Angeles Times

Her election, said the Guardian, seemed to represent a progressive victory in a region where tech billionaires were intent on yanking politicians to the right.

From Los Angeles Times

“The guy was trying to yank his glove off, pulling at his wrist. … It looked like he got ejected, and I’m glad he did. I’ve never seen anything like that. That was unacceptable.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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