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Synonyms

yank

1 American  
[yangk] / yæŋk /

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 American  
[yangk] / yæŋk /

noun

Informal.

  1. Yankee.

Yank 1 British  
/ jæŋk /

noun

  1. a slang word for an American

  2. informal short for Yankee

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
yank 2 British  
/ jæŋk /

verb

  1. to pull, jerk, or move with a sharp movement; tug

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a sharp jerking movement; tug

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of yank1

First recorded in 1810–20; origin uncertain

Origin of Yank2

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; shortened form

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

My dentist said a molar needed to be yanked because of a cellular breakdown called resorption, and a periodontist in his office recommended a bone graft and probably an implant.

From Los Angeles Times

But for some, the surge in prices has yanked the joy from what was a casual hobby.

From Barron's

Magic yanked both of Duane’s arms, causing him to bend forward and so creating just enough weight on the front end of the toboggan to tip it into motion.

From Literature

The girl grabbed me by the arm and yanked me inside.

From Literature

Coty slumped 16% after the cosmetics company missed analysts’ earnings targets for its fiscal second quarter and yanked its fiscal-year guidance, citing problems in the beauty market and a leadership transition.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.