I. ˈbaŋ verb
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse bang hammering
Date: circa 1550
transitive verb
1. : to strike sharply : bump
bang ed his knee
2. : to knock, hit, or thrust vigorously often with a sharp noise
bang ed the door shut
3. often vulgar : to have sexual intercourse with
intransitive verb
1. : to strike with a sharp noise or thump
2. : to produce a sharp often metallic explosive or percussive noise or series of such noises
3. : to play a sport (as basketball) in a very aggressive and forceful manner
bang for rebounds
II. noun
Date: circa 1550
1. : a resounding blow
2. : a sudden loud noise — often used interjectionally
3.
a. : a sudden striking effect
b. : a quick burst of energy
start off with a bang
c. : thrill
I get a bang out of all this — W. H. Whyte
•
- bang for the buck
III. adverb
Date: 1828
: right , directly
ran bang up against more trouble
IV. noun
Etymology: probably short for bangtail short tail
Date: 1878
: a fringe of banged hair — usually used in plural
V. transitive verb
Date: 1878
: to cut (as front hair) short and squarely across