Spank: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Add to dictionary

spank

 

[ spรฆล‹k ]

Verb / Noun
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?

arrow down
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 Often considered outdated or controversial.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 piรฑata 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?

arrow down
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

Translations of the word "spank" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bater

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schlagen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memukul

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะปัŒะพะฟะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ biฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฉใ (ใŸใŸใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fesser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ golpear

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸaplak atmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋•Œ๋ฆฌ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถุฑุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bรญt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ biลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tepsti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ slรก

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะพา“ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒ”แƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถymษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ golpear

Etymology

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.