I. ˈhwak, ˈwak verb
Etymology: probably imitative of the sound of a blow
Date: 1719
transitive verb
1.
a. : to strike with a smart or resounding blow
whack the ball
b. : to cut with or as if with a whack : chop
2. chiefly British : to get the better of : defeat
3. slang : murder , kill
intransitive verb
: to strike a smart or resounding blow
• whack·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1736
1.
a. : a smart or resounding blow ; also : the sound of or as if of such a blow
b. : a critical attack
2. : portion , share
3. : condition , state
4.
a. : an opportunity or attempt to do something
take a whack at it
b. : a single action or occasion
borrowed $50 all at one whack
•
- out of whack