yank
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /jæŋk/
KK: /jæŋk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To pull something quickly and suddenly.
Example
He decided to yank the door open when it wouldn't budge.
Tense Forms
Past: yanked
Past Participle: yanked
Conversation
Did you see how he had to yank that door to get it open?
Yeah, it looked really stuck!
I thought he was going to break it if he kept trying to yank it like that.
Right? Sometimes those old doors just need a little extra effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
jerk
pull
tug
Antonyms
release
let
drop
noun
Definition
A quick and strong pull or jerk, often done suddenly.
Example
He gave the rope a yank to free it from the mud.
Conversation
Did you see that yank the dog did on the leash?
Yeah, it surprised me!
I thought it was going to pull her right over.
transitive verb
Definition
To pull something suddenly and with a lot of force.
Example
He yanked the door open to get inside quickly.
Tense Forms
Past: yanked
Past Participle: yanked
Conversation
Did you see how the coach yanked the player off the field?
Yeah, that was surprising! I didn't expect that so early in the game.
I wonder what made him yank him like that.
Root Explanation
Yank → This word originates from the American English dialect, possibly derived from the Dutch word 'janken', meaning to cry or whine. The term 'yank' refers to a sudden, sharp pull or tug, often associated with a quick movement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sudden, sharp pull that makes you 'cry out' — that's how 'yank' connects to its roots.
Visually Confused Words
yan
yak