Suck

Definition

Suck primarily refers to drawing into the mouth by contracting the muscles of the lips, cheeks, and tongue to create a partial vacuum. It also colloquially denotes performing poorly in a particular scenario or being undesirable.

Parts of Speech

Verb
Noun

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /sʌk/
Respelling: SUK (with "SUK" rhyming with "duck" and "luck")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /sʌk/
Respelling: SUK (similar to American English, with "SUK" rhyming with "duck" and "luck")

In both dialects, "suck" is pronounced with a short "u" sound, as in "duck" or "luck." The pronunciation of "suck" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "suck" is derived from the Old English sūcan, which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic sugan and the Proto-Indo-European root sug- or suk-. It has been used in various forms in English since the Old English period.

Derivatives

Sucker
Sucking
Suckling
Suckable
Suction

Synonyms

Draw
Imbibe
Absorb

Antonyms

Exhale
Expel
Blow

Usage

"Suck" can be used in both literal and colloquial terms. In the literal sense, it denotes the action of creating a partial vacuum to draw liquid or other substances into the mouth. Colloquially, it's often used to express disappointment, frustration, or the inferior quality or undesirability of a person, place, or thing.

Related Terms

Suction
Inhale
Absorb

Detailed Definition

Verb

Physical Drawing In: To draw into the mouth by contracting the muscles of the lips, cheeks, and tongue to create partial vacuum.‍
Example: The baby will suck its thumb for comfort.

Absorb or Take In: To absorb or take in a particular substance or element.‍
Example: The sponge will suck up the spilled water.

Noun

Act of Sucking: The act or an instance of sucking.‍
Example: He took a long suck on the straw to finish his drink.

Undesirable Situation: Informally used to denote an undesirable situation or a state of disappointment.‍
Example: It's a real suck that we missed the concert.