Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. a slap with the flat of the hand

Verb

1. give a spanking to; subject to a spanking