Yanked

To yank something means to give a sudden, forceful pull or tug. It implies a quick, often abrupt movement, and can be used both literally and figuratively. The action is usually forceful and can sometimes be rough or impolite. When used figuratively, it can describe the sudden removal or withdrawal of something, such as a person from a situation, or a rule from a system. The impact of yanking something is often noticeable and intended to get a response. The suddenness of the action often causes the object or subject of the 'yank' to be significantly displaced.

Yanked meaning with examples

• He yanked the door open, eager to escape the stuffy room, nearly knocking over a small table in his haste. The force of the yank sent the door swinging violently, creating a loud crash against the wall. The action showed his frustration with the environment and that he couldn't wait to be out of the stuffy room.
• She yanked the microphone away from the comedian when he told an offensive joke, ending the performance with the loud yank as a statement. Her sudden action caught everyone by surprise, leaving a moment of awkward silence. The yank, symbolic in nature, was her way of showing extreme disapproval for the inappropriate joke and getting him off the stage.
• The government yanked the controversial legislation from the floor before a vote could be taken after growing public outcry. The reversal ended all of the plans around it. The decision showed that they were bowing to the public's concerns. This yank came after much debate and lobbying on the topic.
• The toddler, seeing the candy he craved, yanked the bag from his mother's hand. The candy was out of reach from him, so he took matters into his own hands. The sudden yank startled his mother, and the bag spilled. He was instantly happy at the new development.