1 B1 informal
To remove something with a sudden, strong, sharp pulling movement.
"He yanked off his tie the moment he got home from work."
separable
yank off
B1 informal separable transitive
To remove something quickly and forcefully with a sharp pulling motion.
In plain English
To pull something off very quickly and hard, like ripping a bandage off.
What does "yank off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To detach or break something free by pulling it sharply.
"She yanked off the tablecloth, sending everything crashing to the floor."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull something away from a surface or person with a sudden, sharp jerk — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To pull something off very quickly and hard, like ripping a bandage off.
Usage tip
Describes a quick, forceful removal. Used both literally (removing clothing, bandages, covers) and in other contexts. The forcefulness distinguishes it from simply 'take off'. Common in spoken informal English.
Words that pair with "yank off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lid bandage cover shirt mask label
How to conjugate "yank off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
yank off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
yanks off
he/she/it
Past simple
yanked off
yesterday
Past participle
yanked off
have + pp
-ing form
yanking off
continuous
Hear "yank off" in the wild
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