yank

4 synonyms for yank, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To pull something suddenly and forcefully.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

jerk Yankee

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

Northerner Yankee-Doodle

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To pull something suddenly and forcefully.

“She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands.”

jerk Yankee Northerner Yankee-Doodle

2. noun

Informal (often outside the US), a term for an American, especially one from the northern states.

“The tour group had a couple of Yanks among the mostly British crowd.”

Northerner Yankee

How to use yank

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

yank the cord yank someone's arm yank open

"Yank" for an American is informal and can sound teasing or mildly derogatory depending on tone.

Etymology

Attested since 1822, coming from Scots yank; its origin beyond that is unknown.

Full origin of yank →

Frequently asked questions

What does “yank” mean?

The word “yank” means to pull something suddenly and forcefully. In plain terms, to give something a sharp, sudden pull, or (informally) a nickname for an American.

How do you pronounce “yank”?

“Yank” is pronounced YANGK (/ˈjeɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).

How do you use “yank” in a sentence?

Here is “yank” used in a sentence: “She yanked the stuck drawer open with both hands.”

What part of speech is “yank”?

Depending on how it is used, “yank” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “yank” have?

“Yank” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull something suddenly and forcefully.

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Nearby words

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