I. ˈyaŋk verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1822
intransitive verb
: to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement
transitive verb
1. : to pull or extract with a quick vigorous movement
2. : to remove in or as if in an abrupt manner
yank ed the story from the evening edition
II. noun
Date: circa 1864
: a strong sudden pull : jerk