Word
shank
Phoneticsshank
US/ˈʃæŋk/
UK/ʃˈæŋk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a homemade knife or sharp tool used as a weapon, usually in a prison. It is also a verb that means to stab someone with this kind of weapon.
n. an improvised sharp-edged or pointed weapon, typically fashioned in a prison environment. Often used metonymically to refer to the act of stabbing itself.
Examples
“The guards found a hidden shank during the cell inspection.”
“In many prison movies, a character might fashion a shank out of a sharpened toothbrush or a piece of scrap metal.”
“The tension in the yard spiked after rumors circulated that a rival gang member had been caught carrying a crude shank during the morning exercise period.”
Examples
simple
“The guards found a hidden shank during the cell inspection.”
contextual
“In many prison movies, a character might fashion a shank out of a sharpened toothbrush or a piece of scrap metal.”
complex
“The tension in the yard spiked after rumors circulated that a rival gang member had been caught carrying a crude shank during the morning exercise period.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of correctional facilities or street slang; as a verb, it is transitive.
Real-World Examples
“As Aljosa Matko shanked wide of Angus Gunn’s goal, the Tartan Army’s groans were audible.” “Tottenham’s torrid first half was best summed up when the ball dropped 18 yards out to £100million man Sandro Tonali, who shanked his volley miles over the crossbar.” Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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