to pull something/someone suddenly and with force, a sudden, strong pull, a person from the northern US

yank someone's chain, give something a yank, yank someone's collar

Formal and Informal Expressions of yank

In different contexts, you can replace 'yank' with suitable alternatives. In a more informal setting, 'pull, grab' is apt.

yank: Explore its Definition & Usage

yank Definition

1to pull something/someone suddenly and with force
2a sudden, strong pull
3a person from the northern US

Using yank: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "yank" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He yanked the door open and stormed out of the room.
Example
She gave a yank on the rope and the bell rang.
Example
He's a yank from New York City.

yank Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for yank

Phrases with yank

yank someone's chain
to tease or annoy someone by telling them something that is not true
Example
Don't take him seriously, he's just yanking your chain.
give something a yank
to pull something hard and quickly
Example
I gave the cord a yank and the machine started working again.
yank someone's collar
to grab someone's collar and pull them towards you
Example
The teacher yanked the boy's collar and pulled him back into his seat.

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Summary: yank in Brief

The term 'yank' [jæŋk] refers to a sudden, forceful pull, as in 'He yanked the door open and stormed out of the room.' It can also refer to a person from the northern US, as in 'He's a yank from New York City.' 'Yank' is often used in phrases like 'yank someone's chain,' meaning to tease or annoy someone, and 'give something a yank,' meaning to pull something hard and quickly.