CRANK Meaning and
Definition
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Crank can be defined as a noun and a verb, encompassing multiple meanings depending on the context. As a noun, crank refers to a mechanical or manual device used for turning or rotating something, often involving a handle or lever. It can also describe an eccentric or peculiar person who holds unconventional or extreme beliefs or ideas outside societal norms, often displaying erratic behavior or quirky habits.
In the context of machinery, crank is a key component that converts linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion, typically utilizing a lever arm attached to a rotating wheel or shaft. This allows the device to function efficiently and perform certain tasks such as moving parts, generating power, or transferring motion between different mechanisms.
As a verb, crank refers to the act of starting or operating a mechanical device, usually by turning a handle or lever in order to set the mechanism in motion. It can also denote the action of increasing speed or intensity in a gradual or steady manner.
In a colloquial sense, crank is used to describe someone who is irritable, ill-tempered, or difficult to deal with. It can also be used to describe dishonest or unreliable behavior, such as when someone acts in a deceitful or manipulative manner.
Additionally, the term crank can have specific connotations within different domains, including drug addiction, as it is sometimes associated with the illicit production or usage of methamphetamine or other narcotics. However, it is worth noting that these specialized meanings are not prevalent in general usage.
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• Anything bent or turned; in a machine, an iron axis bent and jointed like an arm, used for changing a rotatory motion into a horizontal or perpendicular one, or the contrary; a metal brace.
• Inclined to heel over, as a ship that wants steadiness; liable to be upset.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CRANK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CRANK
Etymology of CRANK
The word "crank" has a variety of meanings, so we'll focus on its etymology related to mechanical devices and eccentric individuals.
The term "crank" in the sense of a mechanical device comes from Middle English "cranke", which means "bent, crooked". This Middle English word was borrowed from Old Norse "krankr", meaning "bent or twisted". It is believed that "krankr" ultimately has Germanic roots.
Furthermore, the word "crank" also evolved to describe an eccentric or eccentrically behaving individual. This sense of the word is believed to have originated from the idea that such individuals are "unstable" or "mentally twisted" similar to the mechanical crank's bent or twisted shape. This sense of the word emerged in the early 17th century and has its etymological basis in the mechanical sense.
Idioms with the word CRANK
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crank up sth
The idiom "crank up something" means to increase, intensify, or raise the level or intensity of something, typically a machine, activity, or event. It often implies putting in more effort, energy, power, or volume to achieve a desired outcome.
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crank out sth
The idiom "crank out something" refers to the act of producing or creating something in a rapid or continuous manner, often with little regard for quality or meticulousness. It implies a quick and sometimes mechanical approach to completing a task or producing a large quantity of something.
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crank sth up
The idiom "crank sth up" means to increase the intensity, volume, power, or activity of something. It implies making something get stronger, louder, more active, or more forceful. It can be used in various contexts, such as adjusting the volume of a sound system, increasing the speed of machinery, or escalating the level of a particular activity or performance.
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crank sth out
The idiom "crank something out" means to produce or create something quickly and in large quantities, often without paying much attention to quality or detail. It implies the act of doing something rapidly or mechanically, without much thought or effort.
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crank sm up
The idiom "crank it up" or "crank them up" generally means to increase the energy, intensity, or volume of something, often referring to music, a party, a performance, or any situation that requires more excitement or fervor. It signifies the act of making something louder, stronger, or more powerful.
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crank out
The idiom "crank out" typically means to produce or create something quickly and in large quantities, often with little attention to quality or detail. It suggests a rapid and mechanical process of completing tasks or generating work without much thought or effort.
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crank up
The idiom "crank up" means to increase or boost the intensity, volume, or speed of something. It is often used in reference to increasing the power or activity level of a machine, system, or process. It can also be used metaphorically to describe escalating or intensifying a situation, project, or effort.
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crank in/into (something)
The idiom "crank in/into (something)" typically refers to the act of incorporating, integrating, or adding something to a system or process. It usually implies the notion of forcefully or vigorously initiating a new component or element into an existing system.
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turn (someone's) crank
The idiom "turn (someone's) crank" means to excite or please someone, to appeal to someone's interests or preferences, or to stimulate someone's enthusiasm or passion for something.
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crank someone up
The idiom "crank someone up" is used to describe the act of getting someone excited, energized, or enthusiastic about something. It means to inspire or motivate someone, often by increasing their enthusiasm or passion for a particular activity or idea.
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crank something out
The idiom "crank something out" means to produce or create something quickly and effortlessly, especially in large quantities. It implies the act of working diligently and efficiently to complete a task or project without much effort or thought.
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crank something up
The idiom "crank something up" means to increase the intensity, volume, or speed of something, often a machine, music, or activity. It involves making something go faster, louder, or more energetic.
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crank in
The idiom "crank in" typically refers to the act of adjusting or fine-tuning something, especially a machine or engine, by using a crank or lever. It can also be used figuratively to mean making minor adjustments or modifications to a plan, process, or situation.
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yank someone’s crank
The idiom "yank someone's crank" is a colloquial expression used to refer to deliberately irritating or provoking someone, usually by saying or doing something that intentionally provokes a negative reaction or annoyance. It implies intentionally pushing someone's buttons or aggravating them for one's own amusement or satisfaction.
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crank letter
A "crank letter" refers to a letter or communication that is written by someone who is mentally unstable or eccentric, often containing bizarre, irrational, or unfounded claims or complaints. It is typically sent to public figures, organizations, or individuals, exhibiting an obsessive or delusional nature. The term "crank" in this context suggests a person who is irrational, peculiar, or obsessed with a particular belief or cause.
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bathtub crank
Bathtub crank is a slang term for a low-quality or impure form of methamphetamine that is typically produced in small quantities and has a low potency.
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crank bugs
The idiom "crank bugs" refers to small, irritating issues or problems that disrupt or annoy someone. It can also refer to minor technical glitches or malfunctions.
Similar spelling words for CRANK
- croak,
- prank,
- crangon,
- cronus,
- frank,
- cringe,
- crack,
- crinkle,
- crane,
- cranch,
- cranky,
- crankier,
- Cranston,
- crinkled,
- cronk,
- rank,
- clank,
- cringle,
- crank up,
- Crinklaw,
- rink,
- crunchy,
- crinkly,
- Rang,
- Crunk,
- crunch,
- Drank,
- Cranked,
- creak,
- Crance,
- cranks.
Conjugate verb Crank
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have cranked
you
would have cranked
he/she/it
would have cranked
we
would have cranked
they
would have cranked
I
would have crank
you
would have crank
he/she/it
would have crank
we
would have crank
they
would have crank
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been cranking
you
would have been cranking
he/she/it
would have been cranking
we
would have been cranking
they
would have been cranking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would crank
you
would crank
he/she/it
would crank
we
would crank
they
would crank
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be cranking
you
would be cranking
he/she/it
would be cranking
we
would be cranking
they
would be cranking
FUTURE
I
will crank
you
will crank
he/she/it
will crank
we
will crank
they
will crank
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cranking
you
will be cranking
he/she/it
will be cranking
we
will be cranking
they
will be cranking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cranked
you
will have cranked
he/she/it
will have cranked
we
will have cranked
they
will have cranked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cranking
you
will have been cranking
he/she/it
will have been cranking
we
will have been cranking
they
will have been cranking
IMPERATIVE
you
crank
we
let´s crank
to crank
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cranking
you
were cranking
he/she/it
was cranking
we
were cranking
they
were cranking
PAST PARTICIPLE
cranked
PAST PERFECT
I
had cranked
you
had cranked
he/she/it
had cranked
we
had cranked
they
had cranked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cranking
you
had been cranking
he/she/it
had been cranking
we
had been cranking
they
had been cranking
PRESENT
I
crank
you
crank
he/she/it
cranks
we
crank
they
crank
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cranking
you
are cranking
he/she/it
is cranking
we
are cranking
they
are cranking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cranking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cranked
you
have cranked
he/she/it
has cranked
we
have cranked
they
have cranked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cranking
you
have been cranking
he/she/it
has been cranking
we
have been cranking
they
have been cranking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
crank
SIMPLE PAST
I
cranked
you
cranked
he/she/it
cranked
we
cranked
they
cranked
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