Word
spanking
Phoneticsspank·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspæŋkɪŋ/
UK/spˈæŋkɪŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a punishment where someone is hit on their bottom with a flat hand. It is usually used when talking about how parents discipline children.
n. the act of striking the buttocks with the open hand as a form of corporal punishment. Often discussed in the context of child-rearing or historical disciplinary practices.
Examples
“The child received a spanking for breaking the window.”
“Many modern psychologists advise against spanking as a method of discipline, suggesting positive reinforcement instead.”
“The debate over the legality of spanking continues to evolve, with several countries passing legislation to ban corporal punishment in the home entirely.”
Examples
simple
“The child received a spanking for breaking the window.”
contextual
“Many modern psychologists advise against spanking as a method of discipline, suggesting positive reinforcement instead.”
complex
“The debate over the legality of spanking continues to evolve, with several countries passing legislation to ban corporal punishment in the home entirely.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'give' or 'get'.
Real-World Examples
“Around the world, 68 countries have banned the hitting of children in any form, including spanking.” “Nearly one third of children under five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience spanking.” “Once the streets of Buñol are cleaned of all the tomatoes, the town looks brand spanking new.” Etymology
From spank (“to move energetically”) + -ing.
From spank (“to punish by swatting”) + -ing (participial suffix) and -ing (gerundial suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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