rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryyankForceful pull
verb / noun

yank

YANK/jæŋk/

A sudden, forceful pull.

She yanks the weed out by its roots.

A woman forcefully jerks a stubborn weed out of the ground, leaning sharply backward as its roots burst free with flying soil crumbs.
Etymology

The verb is recorded in Scottish usage meaning “pull, jerk,” but its origin is unknown. An early noun use meant a sudden blow or cuff.

In context

Nolan Outdoors4:38
the pistol calibers are not going to be as loud so if you have to yank this thing out and start shooting quickly
💥WHICH IS BEST?💥 AR15 Pistol vs Pistol Caliber Carbine

More examples

  • A sudden yank broke the cord.
  • He yanked his hand away from the hot pan.
  • Stop yanking on the leash.

Forms

yank · yanks · yanked · yanking

Similar words

jerk
A sudden sharp movement or pull.
tug
A pull that may be gentler or repeated.