Yank

Pronunciation

• enPR: yăngk, IPA: /jæŋk/
• US enPR: yāngk, IPA: /jeɪŋk/
• Rhymes: -æŋk

Origin

Attested since 1822 CE; from Scots. Unknown origin.

Full definition of yank

Noun

1. A sudden, vigorous pull (sometimes defined as mass times jerk, or rate of change of force).

Synonyms

• (sudden, vigorous pull) jerk, tug

Verb

1. (transitive) To pull something with a quick, strong action.
2. (transitive) to remove from circulationThey yanked the product as soon as they learned it was unsafe.

Synonyms

• (pull with a quick strong action) jerk, tug
• (remove from circulation) pull, recall