whisk

¹whisk

noun \ˈhwisk, ˈwisk\

Definition of WHISK

1

: a quick light brushing or whipping motion

2

a : a usually wire kitchen utensil used for beating food by hand

b : a flexible bunch (as of twigs, feathers, or straw) attached to a handle for use as a brush

Examples of WHISK

1. <with a whisk of the broom, the dirt was gone>

Origin of WHISK

Middle English wisk, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse visk wisp; akin to Old English wiscian to plait

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WHISK

Synonyms

swish, switch, waggle, ¹wag

Related Words

oscillation, rock, sway, swing, waver; flap, flutter, wave, whip; flick, jerk, jolt, snap, twitch; jiggle, shake, wiggle; bob, nod

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with WHISK

bisque, brisk, disk, fisc, frisk, risk

²whisk

verb

Definition of WHISK

intransitive verb

: to move nimbly and quickly

transitive verb

1

: to move or convey briskly <whisked the children off to bed>

2

: to mix or fluff up by or as if by beating with a whisk <whisk egg whites>

3

: to brush or wipe off lightly

Examples of WHISK

1. Whisk the eggs with the cream until the mixture thickens.
2. She whisked the children off to bed.
3. The taxi whisked me to the airport.
4. The waitress whisked my plate away before I was finished eating.

First Known Use of WHISK

15th century

Related to WHISK

Synonyms

accelerate, bundle, fast-track, hasten, quicken, rush, speed (up), hurry

Antonyms

brake, decelerate, retard, slow (down)

Related Words

drive, goad, prod, propel, push, race, spur, stir, urge; aid, dispatch, ease, encourage, expedite, facilitate

Near Antonyms

delay, encumber, fetter, hamper, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, interfere (with), manacle, rein (in), restrain, shackle, tie up, trammel; arrest, check, stall, stay, still, stop