crank

noun

\ ˈkraŋk

Definition of crank

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa

2a archaic : bend

b : a twist or turn of speech : conceit —used especially in the phrase quips and cranks

c(1) : caprice, crotchet

(2) : an annoyingly eccentric person also : one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity

d : a bad-tempered person : grouch

3 : crystal meth specifically : an impure form of crystal meth

crank

verb

cranked; cranking; cranks

Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to move with a winding course : zigzag

2a : to turn a crank

b : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank

c : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity —usually used with up the campaign is cranking up

transitive verb

1 : to move or operate by or as if by a crank crank the window down

2a : to cause to start crank an automobile

b : to rotate the shaft (such as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter crank over an engine

c : to use in trying to start an engine crank the starter

3a : to start as if by use of a crank —usually used with up she cranked up the air conditioner

b : turn up sense 2 —usually used with up crank up the volume

crank

adjective (1)

Definition of crank (Entry 3 of 5)

: of, relating to, or being a bad-tempered or annoyingly eccentric person also : made or sent by such a person or by someone intending to be an annoyance or to cause harm crank calls a crank letter

crank

adjective (2)

Definition of crank (Entry 4 of 5)

1 chiefly dialectal : merry, high-spirited

2 chiefly dialectal : cocky, confident

crank

adjective (3)

Definition of crank (Entry 5 of 5)

of a boat

: easily tipped : tender entry 1 sense 4d

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Examples of crank in a Sentence

Noun

To open the car window, turn the crank on the door. He was dismissed as a crank until his article was published. Most people think she's just a harmless crank.

Verb

He cranked the temperature to 75 degrees. Crank the engine to see if it will start.

First Known Use of crank

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective (1)

1924, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (3)

circa 1649, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for crank

Noun

Middle English cranke, from Old English cranc- (as in crancstæf, a weaving instrument); probably akin to Middle High German krank weak, sick — more at cringe

Adjective (2)

Middle English cranke

Adjective (3)

short for crank-sided easily tipped

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