Spank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spank

[spæŋk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

disciplinary action

To strike (someone) with the palm of one's hand as a punishment, typically on the buttocks.

Synonyms

slap, smack, whack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spank	Typically used to refer to hitting someone, usually a child, on their buttocks as a form of punishment. Often considered outdated or controversial. The child was spanked for misbehaving in school. Some parents choose alternative methods instead of spanking.
smack	Similar to a slap but generally refers to more forceful or louder contact; can be applied to different parts of the body or objects. Sometimes used in a playful sense but often carries negative connotations. He got a smack on the head for not paying attention. She smacked the table in frustration.
slap	Refers to hitting someone with an open hand, usually on the face or cheek. Can be used in both playful or aggressive manner but often has a negative connotation when used to describe hitting someone out of anger. She gave him a slap across the face for his rude comments. They were playing around and she playfully slapped his arm.
whack	Refers to hitting something or someone with a lot of force. Can be used for both playful and aggressive situations but often implies a strong impact. He gave the piñata a strong whack to break it open. She whacked her brother with a pillow during the pillow fight.

Examples of usage

He spanked the child for misbehaving.
She decided to spank her dog for chewing on the furniture.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

disciplinary action

A slap with the palm of the hand or a flat object, especially on the buttocks, as a punishment.

Synonyms

slap, smack, whack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spank	Used mostly in the context of disciplining children. It involves hitting someone, usually a child, on the bottom with an open hand. It is often seen in a controversial light due to discussions about corporal punishment. The mother decided to spank her child for misbehaving at the store. Some parents believe that a light spank can teach discipline.
slap	Refers to hitting someone with an open hand, usually across the face. Often used to describe a swift, forceful motion. It can be seen as an act of disrespect or in self-defense. He received a slap across the face for his rude comment. She slapped the mosquito that landed on her arm.
whack	Refers to hitting something or someone very hard, usually with an object. Often conveys a sense of brutality or roughness. He whacked the ball with the bat, sending it over the fence. The thug whacked the man on the head with a stick.
smack	Can be used both to describe a light, playful hit and a more serious, forceful hit. Often used in British English to refer to a hit on a child for disciplinary reasons, but also can describe hitting in a casual manner. She gave him a playful smack on the arm.

Examples of usage

She gave him a spank for being disrespectful.
The teacher threatened the student with a spank if he didn't behave.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'spank'

The word 'spank' originated in the early 17th century, possibly imitative of the sound of a slap. It has been used historically as a form of disciplinary action, particularly in child-rearing practices. The act of spanking has been a controversial topic in recent years, with debates surrounding its effectiveness and ethical implications.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,210 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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