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

But here in L.A., every turn we made led to a new hazard: a blind curve with a speeding Tesla coming down the other side; a gardener’s pickup truck with protruding tools parked to the side but still taking up half the road; low branches that swatted the top of the truck and then snapped back to spank us in the rear.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Hungry and annoyed by the questioning, Daniels said she told Trump she'd had "enough of his arrogance," stating: "Someone should spank you with that," referring to a magazine in Trump's hand.

From Salon

Liverpool are not just in the top half, they are a top team and they are in top spot - and they are going to spank them.

From BBC

“I think we need to go in and spank somebody,” he said of the U.S. response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, suggesting that U.S. special forces get involved, at least to help rescue kidnapped Americans.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• chastise
• clobber
• flog
• smack
• thrash