First Known Use: 1822
Dictionary
1yank
verb \ˈyaŋk\
: to suddenly pull (something) in a quick, forceful way
: to quickly or suddenly remove (something or someone)
Full Definition of YANK
intransitive verb
: to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement
transitive verb
1
: to pull or extract with a quick vigorous movement
2
: to remove in or as if in an abrupt manner <yanked the story from the evening edition>
See yank defined for English-language learners
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Origin of YANK
origin unknown
2yank
noun
: a strong, quick pull
Full Definition of YANK
: a strong sudden pull : jerk
See yank defined for English-language learners
See yank defined for kids
First Known Use of YANK
circa 1864
Yank
noun \ˈyaŋk\
: a person from the U.S.
Full Definition of YANK
: yankee
See Yank defined for English-language learners
See Yank defined for kids
First Known Use of YANK
1778
YANK Defined for Kids
1yank
noun \ˈyaŋk\
Definition of YANK for Kids
: a strong sudden pull : jerk
2yank
verb
yankedyank·ing
Definition of YANK for Kids
: to pull suddenly or forcefully <I go over and yank his arm and make him sit down. — Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh>
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