spank

¹

[spangk]

verb (used with object)

1. to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.

noun

1. a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.

spank

²

[spangk]

verb (used without object)

1. to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.

spank

¹

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. (tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks

noun

1. a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand

spank

²

/ spæŋk /

verb

1. (intr) to go at a quick and lively pace

Word History and Origins

Origin of spank¹

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

Origin of spank²

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Word History and Origins

Origin of spank¹

C18: probably of imitative origin

Origin of spank²

C19: back formation from _spanking ²

Example Sentences

It wasn’t enough, he thought, to simply spank them; they had to be spanked until they lost their will to protest.

From Salon

The woman recalled that, on one occasion, Booth asked her to spank him and offered her extra payment.

From BBC

Linda said she spanked Brooke once and called her a couple of names, but gave the kids cellphones and didn’t treat her daughter the way Brooke had characterized.

From Los Angeles Times

He alleges that Ruby would “whip” him with a belt and “spank” him off-camera.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a long way for Ipswich fans to travel to watch their team get spanked, then go all the way back to East Anglia.

From BBC

Related Words

• chastise 
• clobber 
• flog 
• smack 
• thrash