Suck - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary



1suck

 verb \ˈsək\

Definition of SUCK

transitive verb
1
a : to draw (as liquid) into the mouth through a suction force produced by movements of the lips and tongue <sucked milk from his mother's breast>b : to draw something from or consume by such movements<suck an orange> <suck a lollipop>c : to apply the mouth to in order to or as if to suck out a liquid <sucked his burned finger>
2
a : to draw by or as if by suction <when a receding wavesucks the sand from under your feet — Kenneth Brower><inadvertently sucked into the … intrigue — Martin Levin>b : to take in and consume by or as if by suction <a vacuum cleaner sucking up dirt> <suck up a few beers> <opponents say that malls suck the life out of downtown areas — Michael Knight>
intransitive verb
1
: to draw something in by or as if by exerting a suction force; especially : to draw milk from a breast or udder with the mouth
2
: to make a sound or motion associated with or caused by suction <his pipe sucked wetly> <flanks sucked in and out, the long nose resting on his paws — Virginia Woolf>
3
: to act in an obsequious manner <when they want votes … the candidates come sucking around — W. G. Hardy> —usually used with up <sucked up to the boss>
4
slang : to be objectionable or inadequate <our lifestyle sucks— Playboy> <people who went said it sucked — H. S. Thompson>

Illustration of SUCK

<I suck — Roy Currlin>

Examples of SUCK

  1. · sucking milk through a straw
  2. · a toddler sucking his thumb
  3. · She just sucked her teeth and stared.
  4. · She sucked on an orange slice.
  5. · sucked a cough drop.
  6. · The tide almost sucked us out to sea.
  7. · The boat was sucked under the water in the storm.
  8. · These plants suck moisture from the soil.
  9. · The fan sucks smoke from the air.
  10. · a vacuum cleaner that sucks up water as well as dirt.
  11. · Roy is a sucky pub quiz player.

Origin of SUCK

Middle English suken, from Old English sūcan; akin to Old High German sūgan to suck, Latin sugere
First Known Use: before 12th century
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