bang

I. verb Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse bang hammering Date: circa 1550 transitive verb 1. to strike sharply ; bump <

banged his knee

> 2. to knock, hit, or thrust vigorously often with a sharp noise <

banged the door shut

> 3. often vulgar to have sexual intercourse with intransitive verb 1. to strike with a sharp noise or thump 2. to produce a sharp often metallic explosive or percussive noise or series of such noises 3. to play a sport (as basketball) in a very aggressive and forceful manner <

bang for rebounds

> II. noun Date: circa 1550 1. a resounding blow 2. a sudden loud noise — often used interjectionally 3. a. a sudden striking effect b. a quick burst of energy <

start off with a bang

> c. thrill <

I get a bang out of all this — W. H. Whyte

> III. adverb Date: 1828 right, directly <

ran bang up against more trouble

> IV. noun Etymology: probably short for bangtail short tail Date: 1878 a fringe of banged hair — usually used in plural V. transitive verb Date: 1878 to cut (as front hair) short and squarely across