Crank

/kræŋk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A handle or lever that is turned in order to operate a machine.
He turned the crank to start the engine.
A person with eccentric or strange ideas.
The old man was considered a crank because of his unusual theories.
verb
To turn a crank to operate a machine or mechanism.
She had to crank the window open since the automatic controls were broken.
To make something operate, especially by turning a crank.
He cranked up the music before the party started.

Etymology

Middle English 'cranke', from Old English 'cranc' (a crank or bend).

Common Phrases and Expressions

crank it up:
To increase the intensity, particularly of sound.
crank out:
To produce something rapidly.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A person who has very unusual ideas or beliefs.
Just ignore him; he's a total crank.
To annoy or irritate someone.
Stop cranking me about that mistake!