Shanking: meaning, definitions and examples

prison slang

Shanking is a term used to describe the act of stabbing someone, particularly in a prison or gang-related context. This violent act is often done with a makeshift weapon and is typically associated with personal conflicts or territorial disputes among inmates. The act of shanking can have serious consequences, including severe injury or even death. It's a term that reflects the brutal reality of life in prison and the lengths individuals will go to defend themselves or assert dominance.

assault, knife attack, stabbing.

Examples of usage

• The inmate was found with a shank concealed in his cell.

• He was warned that a shanking could happen if he crossed the wrong people.

• The prison riot led to several shankings and injuries.

• Shanking is a serious issue in overcrowded correctional facilities.