prang

[ prang ]

verb (used with object)

, British Slang.

1. to collide with; bump into.
2. to destroy or severely damage by a bombing raid; bomb (an enemy target).
3. to destroy or shoot down (an enemy aircraft).

prang

/ præŋ /

noun

1. an accident or crash in an aircraft, car, etc
2. an aircraft bombing raid
3. an achievement

verb

1. to crash or damage (an aircraft, car, etc)
2. to damage (a town, etc) by bombing

Word History and Origins

Origin of prang¹

First recorded in 1930–35; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of prang¹

C20: possibly imitative of an explosion; perhaps related to Malay perang war, fighting

Example Sentences

"Sitting overhead, it can tell you straight away whether you're talking about a major road traffic collision that requires three fire engines and four ambulances, or whether it's a minor prang and someone's getting over-excited."

From BBC

And it is the computerised lorries that it will prang.

From BBC

Its “prang” towers more than 200 feet overhead, intricately decorated with porcelain pieces and walkways that snake up and around it.

From Washington Post

Here’s another victim of yesterday’s prangs, Marc Hirschi of UAE Team Emirates, who dislocated his shoulder but is still carrying on.

From The Guardian

The good news is that the weather is pleasant and dry so hopefully there will be no repeat of yesterday’s multiple prangs.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• bump
• collapse
• collide
• ditch
• dive
• drop
• hurtle
• meet
• overturn
• plunge
• slip
• smash
• topple
• tumble