yank

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An act of masturbation.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

He rested his hand on his bare chest, an innocent enough spot, but soon it drifted of its own accord down his stomach to slide beneath the waistband of his briefs. Fine. A quick yank would relieve the sexual tension that simmered in him.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Alternative form of shank (“stabbing weapon”).

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “yank” mean?

An act of masturbation.

Is “yank” formal or informal?

yank is generally slang.