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

To play a swaggering Yank like Bucky Egan for “Masters” required countless hours with a dialect coach and maintaining his accent through most of the shoot.

From Los Angeles Times

A witness told the TV station that the two men who were killed were a part of a Father’s Day event at the Yanks Air Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

The lanky Yank had driven the spud-loving critter off his land more times than he could count, and the $10 he’d invested in a peck of potato seeds was disappearing with every bite.

From Seattle Times

But the Yanks held Cantigny, and they proved to the Germans that they could fight.

From Literature

At the other end of the scale, fans can acquire a mandolin, previously owned by blues legend Yank Rachell, for an estimated £300 to £500.

From BBC

Related Words

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