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Translate files 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!