Crank: meaning, definitions and examples

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crank

[ kræŋk ]

^{Context #1}

mechanical device

A crank is a device for converting circular motion into reciprocating motion or vice versa.

Synonyms

arm, handle, lever

Examples of usage

The old-fashioned well used a crank to draw up water.
The bicycle's pedals are connected to a crankshaft to propel the bike forward.

^{Context #2}

person's behavior

A crank is a person who holds strong and stubborn opinions or who is eccentric in behavior.

Synonyms

eccentric, oddball, quirky

Examples of usage

My neighbor is a crank who believes in conspiracy theories.
Don't mind him, he's just being a crank about the new policy.

^{Context #3}

start or operate a machine

To crank something means to start or operate a machine, especially by turning a handle.

Synonyms

operate, start, turn

Examples of usage

She cranked the engine of the car to get it started.
He cranked the old gramophone and the music started playing.

Translations

Translations of the word "crank" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manivela

🇮🇳 हथकंडा

🇩🇪 Kurbel

🇮🇩 engkol

🇺🇦 кривошип

🇵🇱 korba

🇯🇵 クランク

🇫🇷 manivelle

🇪🇸 manivela

🇹🇷 krank

🇰🇷 크랭크

🇸🇦 ذراع التدوير

🇨🇿 kliková hřídel

🇸🇰 kľuka

🇨🇳 曲柄 (qū bǐng)

🇸🇮 ročica

🇮🇸 veiviður

🇰🇿 иіндімелі білік

🇬🇪 კრანკი

🇦🇿 krank

🇲🇽 manivela

Word origin

The word 'crank' has a long history, originating from the Old English 'cranc', which means 'bend' or 'bow'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a mechanical device for converting motion. The usage of 'crank' to describe a person with eccentric behavior came about in the 19th century, likely due to the idea of someone being 'off-kilter' like a misaligned crank. The verb form of 'crank' to mean starting a machine emerged in the early 20th century with the rise of mechanical devices.