spank
/spæɳk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To strike someone, especially a child, on the buttocks with the flat of the hand as a punishment or for discipline.
- To move or proceed quickly and vigorously.
Noun:
- A slap or series of slaps on the buttocks, typically given with the open hand.
Usage and Examples
Verb (to punish):
- The parent had to spank the child after the dangerous behavior.
- Some cultures believe it is wrong to spank children.
Verb (to move quickly):
- The horse began to spank along the path.
- We watched the yacht spank across the bay in the strong wind.
Noun:
- He got a quick spank for lying.
- The threat of a spank was enough to correct the behavior.
Advanced Usage
"to spank someone's bottom": A more specific phrase for the act of spanking.
- She spanked the toddler's bottom for running into the street.
"to spank along": To move briskly, often used for vehicles or animals.
- The little boat spanked along merrily in the breeze.
Variants and Related Words
Spanking (noun): The act of giving a spank or series of spanks.
- The child received a spanking for his disobedience.
Spanking (adjective): Brisk, fresh, or excellent (informal).
- We set off at a spanking pace.
- He earned a spanking new car.
Synonyms
- Smack: To hit quickly and forcefully, often with the hand.
- Paddle: To hit with a flat object, like a paddle.
- Swat: To hit with a quick, sharp blow.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
"to spank someone's behind": Another phrase meaning to spank someone.
- The old-fashioned teacher would spank a student's behind for misbehaving.
"a spanking pace": A very fast speed.
- The messenger rode at a spanking pace to deliver the news.
Noun
- a slap with the flat of the hand
Verb
- give a spanking to; subject to a spanking