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dank

adjective

/dæŋk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dank

Damp, musty, and often uncomfortably moist or humid, typically in a way that gives off a sense of unpleasantness or decay.
"The abandoned building had a dank and musty smell."

Detailed meaning of dank

When something is characterized as dank, it implies an environment or condition that is humid and clammy, often leading to a feeling of discomfort or oppressiveness. This term can apply to various contexts, such as a dank basement with moisture in the air and a musty odor, a dank cave with damp walls, or a dank forest where the air is heavy with moisture. "Dank" underscores the idea of something being excessively damp and often uninviting, evoking a sense of dampness, chill, and sometimes a lack of freshness in the atmosphere.

Example sentences containing dank

1. The basement had a dank and musty smell that lingered in the air.
2. We found a hidden cave with dank walls covered in moss and moisture.
3. The old abandoned building had a dank and eerie atmosphere.
4. The rain had turned the park's grass into a damp, dank surface.
5. The fog created a dank and mysterious ambiance in the forest.
6. The dungeon's walls were cold and dank, sending shivers down our spines.

History and etymology of dank

The adjective 'dank' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old Norse. It is thought to come from the Old Norse word 'dǫkk,' which means 'dark' or 'gloomy.' In Middle English, 'dank' described conditions that were damp, musty, and often uncomfortably moist or humid. It is typically used to convey a sense of unpleasantness or decay, as 'dank' environments often give off a feeling of dampness and neglect. 'Dank' is commonly associated with places that lack proper ventilation or maintenance, such as damp basements, dark and humid caves, or neglected and decaying spaces. Its usage emphasizes the discomfort and unappealing qualities of such environments, which often evoke a sense of gloom or discomfort.

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Further usage examples of dank

1. The sailor described the shipwreck's interior as dark and dank.
2. The underground tunnels had a dank and oppressive feeling to them.
3. The cellar was a cool, dank space used for storing vegetables and preserves.
4. The bar had a dank and dimly lit interior that gave it a rustic charm.
5. The swamp was filled with dank and murky water, making it a breeding ground for insects.
6. The ancient castle's dungeons were dank and clammy, giving them an eerie quality.
7. The rainforest had a dank and humid climate that supported lush vegetation.
8. The abandoned factory's corridors were damp and dank, echoing with the sounds of dripping water.
9. The cave's entrance was hidden among dense vegetation, leading to a dank and mysterious interior.
10. The basement apartment had limited natural light, creating a somewhat dank living environment.
11. The pond's water had a dank smell due to the decaying leaves and algae.
12. The old library had a dank and dusty smell, a testament to its age.
13. The seaside town had a charm of its own, with dank fishing boats and salty sea air.
14. The ancient crypt had a dank and chilling aura, sending a shiver down anyone's spine.