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. See Yankee
   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

The book, edited by former Yank magazine art director Art Weithas, featured visual art from the war and was a best seller.

From The Daily Beast

A caveat: the networks have been known to yank a few before they even make it on the air.

From The Daily Beast

Fleet Street commentary at the time described him as the “pushy Yank” who became a celebrity out of sheer force of personality.

From The Daily Beast

It was simply, we don't like this piece of art, so we are going to yank your city funding.

From The Daily Beast

But let's give Lapid the benefit of the doubt, at least before we yank it back.

From The Daily Beast

"I'll bet yo 'un a hoss I ken put a ball through that Yank's heart at fifty paces," he roared.

From Project Gutenberg

"Never teched the Yank or tree, either," and he kicked up his heels like a young colt.

From Project Gutenberg

Chief of the Yank-ton band, and principal orator of the nation; his body curiously tattooed.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm a good enough Yank to see if your dinky police is such an all-fired cute little bunch of wonder-workers as you say!

From Project Gutenberg

“I reckon the ‘Little Yank’ has called your death sentence, pardner,” said one of the Confederates, roughly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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