noun / verb
prank
PRANK/præŋk/
A mischievous trick or the act of playing one on someone.
The spring snake popping out of the gift box is a prank.
Etymology
The noun’s origin is uncertain, though it may be related to an obsolete verb meaning “show off.” Its established sense is a trick played more often in sport than in malice.
In context
Who would create a volume so elaborate, so carefully illustrated in a script no one could read? Some suggest it is a hoax, an elaborate medieval prank, or a clever forgery made centuries later to fool collectors.
More examples
- He pranked his brother with a fake spider.
- The prank went too far when someone got hurt.
- She apologized for the silly prank.
Forms
prank · pranks · pranked · pranking
Similar words
- trick
- Broader; can be deceptive without playful intent.
- practical joke
- Usually emphasizes a staged joke played on someone.