prank

¹

[ prangk ]

noun

1. a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature.

   Synonyms: shenanigan, antic, escapade, caper

prank

²

[ prangk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to dress or adorn in an ostentatious manner:

   They were all pranked out in their fanciest clothes.

verb (used without object)

1. to make an ostentatious show or display.

prank

¹

/ præŋk /

noun

1. a mischievous trick or joke, esp one in which something is done rather than said

prank

²

/ præŋk /

verb

1. tr to dress or decorate showily or gaudily
2. intr to make an ostentatious display

Derived Forms

• ˈprankish, adjective

Other Words From

• un·pranked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prank¹

First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain

Origin of prank²

1540–50; akin to Dutch pronken to show off, strut, pronk show, finery, Middle Low German prank pomp

Word History and Origins

Origin of prank¹

C16: of unknown origin

Origin of prank²

C16: from Middle Dutch pronken; related to German Prunk splendour, prangen to be in full splendour

Example Sentences

It is not known if it got there by accident or through a prank by one of his colleagues.

From BBC

“I wouldn’t talk politics with him, I’d just try to get him to let his hair down, literally, and do some freestyle raps with me, then we’d prank call his son Eric. Let’s make podcasts fun again!”

From Los Angeles Times

While the professionals scratch their heads, we can see that his acting out is only a reaction to whatever thing or condition or cosmological prank is torturing him.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week, the “Up” rapper threatened to sue a person behind a prank call that resulted in child protective services officials showing up at her gated mansion on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Cardi B vows to take legal and physical action against the prank caller who called child protective services to her home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antic
• gag
• high jinks
• horseplay
• lark
• spoof
• trick