Word
yank
US/ˈjæŋk/
UK/jˈæŋk/
Definition
v. to pull something suddenly and with a lot of force.
v. to pull something with a sudden, sharp movement.
Examples
“She had to yank the door open because it was stuck.”
“He reached into his bag and yanked out his keys, accidentally dropping his wallet in the process.”
“The mechanic yanked the rusted lever with both hands, finally forcing the jammed engine component to release its grip.”
Examples
simple
“She had to yank the door open because it was stuck.”
contextual
“He reached into his bag and yanked out his keys, accidentally dropping his wallet in the process.”
complex
“The mechanic yanked the rusted lever with both hands, finally forcing the jammed engine component to release its grip.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“As I yanked my phone out of my pocket, my fingers slipped.” “Then Tommy Robinson tweeted his support for Sheeran, yanking the singer into a political camp about as far as possible from where he would want to be.” Etymology
Clipping of Yankee.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. septic
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/yank