yank

UK: 'yank', 'Yank': /ˈjæŋk/ US: /jæŋk/ ,(yangk)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

yank /yæŋk/   v. 

1. to pull or tug sharply: [~ + object]
   Yank the doorknob and step back quickly.
   [no object]
   He yanked on the doorknob.
2. to remove quickly and sharply:
   [~ + object] He was yanked out of school.

n. [countable]

3. a sharp, sudden, strong pull;
   jerk.

Yank /yæŋk/   n. [countable] , adj. [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms Yankee.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

yank (yangk),  v.t., v.i. 

1. to pull or remove abruptly and vigorously:
   Yank down on the bell rope. He was yanked out of school.

n. 

2. an abrupt, vigorous pull;
   jerk.

• origin, originally uncertain 1810–20

Synonyms

• 1. . pluck, tug, tear.

Yank (yangk), n., adj. [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms Yankee.

• shortened form 1770–80, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

yank / jæŋk/ verb

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

noun

1. a sharp jerking movement; tug

Etymology: 19th Century: of unknown origin

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Yank / jæŋk/ noun

1. a slang word for an American
2. 
   short for Yankee