Yank — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈyaŋk/

Meaning & Definition of Yank

Yank (verb)

  1. to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement
  2. to pull or extract with a quick vigorous movement
  3. to remove in or as if in an abrupt manner

Yank (noun)

  1. a strong sudden pull, jerk
  2. yankee

Yank (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force

    "had to give the shoe a good yank to get it off"

    similar: draw, haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench
    related: drag, tow, hitch, twitch, grab, snatch
    opposite: push
    near: heave, shove, thrust

Yank (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion

    "she stupidly yanked the wheel while I was driving"

    similar: buck, hitch, hoick, jerk, jolt, twitch
    related: bump, jounce, lurch, pitch, stagger, jig, jiggle, jog, joggle, shake, drag, lug, pull, tug, pluck, tweak, grab, rip, snap (up), snatch, tear, wrench, wrest, wring

  2. to draw out by force or with effort

    "yanked out a tooth with a pair of pliers"

    similar: corkscrew, extract, prize, pry, pull, root (out), tear (out), uproot, wrest, wring
    related: mine, pluck, remove, take (out), withdraw
    near: implant, insert, install, instill, cram, jam, ram, stuff, wedge

  3. to separate or remove by forceful pulling

    "grab the other one, and let's see if we can't yank these two grocery carriages apart"

    similar: rip, tear, wrench, wrest
    related: grab, nab, seize, snap (up), snatch, lop (off), nip, amputate, cut (off), dissever, sever, extract, force, jerk, prize, pry, pull, root (out), uproot
    near: reattach

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Yank

The most common words with a similar meaning to Yank:

draw, haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench, buck, hitch, hoick, jolt, twitch, corkscrew, extract, prize, pry, root (out), tear (out), uproot, wrest, wring, rip, tear

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Yank

Words with the opposite meaning of Yank:

push

Related Words for Yank

drag, tow, grab, snatch, bump, jounce, lurch, pitch, stagger, jig, jiggle, jog, joggle, shake, lug, tweak, snap (up), mine, remove, take (out), withdraw, nab, seize, lop (off), nip, amputate, cut (off), dissever, sever, force

Near Antonyms of Yank

heave, shove, thrust, implant, insert, install, instill, cram, jam, ram, stuff, wedge, reattach

Word Forms of Yank

Inflections: yanked, yanking, yanks

Origin & Etymology of Yank

origin unknown

First known use: 1822i

Words & Phrases Containing Yank

pull/yank someone's chain

Frequently Asked Questions about Yank

What does "Yank" mean?

"Yank" means to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Yank"?

Other words for "Yank" include draw, haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench and buck. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Yank" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Yank"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Yank". Common alternatives include draw, haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench, buck, hitch and hoick.

What is the opposite of "Yank"?

Antonyms of "Yank" include push. Near antonyms include heave, shove, thrust and implant.

How do you use "Yank" in a sentence?

Examples of "Yank" in a sentence: "had to give the shoe a good yank to get it off"; "she stupidly yanked the wheel while I was driving"; "yanked out a tooth with a pair of pliers".

Is "Yank" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Yank" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Yank"?

"Yank" is pronounced /ˈyaŋk/.

What is the origin of the word "Yank"?

"Yank" comes from origin unknown. First known use: 1822i.