spank (v.)

1727, "to strike forcefully with the open hand, especially on the buttocks," possibly imitative of the sound of spanking. Related: Spanked; spanking. The noun is from 1785.

Entries linking to spank

spanking (adj.)

1660s, "very big or fine," later (especially of horses) "moving at a lively pace" (1738), of uncertain origin; perhaps from a Scandinavian source (OED compares Danish spanke "to strut"). Probably also related to spanker "something striking" (for size, etc.), 1751; as a kind of sail from 1794.

spanking (n.)

"act of striking with the open hand," especially as a punishment administered to children, 1854, verbal noun from spank (v.).

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updated on November 05, 2013

Definitions of spank from WordNet

spank (v.)

give a spanking to; subject to a spanking;

Synonyms: paddle / larrup

spank (n.)

a slap with the flat of the hand;

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near spank

Spanglish

spangly

Spaniard

spaniel

Spanish

spank

spanking

spanner

spar

sparagmos

spare