yank

(noun) an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War). Synonyms: Yankee, Yank, Northerner.

(noun) an American (especially to non-Americans). Synonyms: Yankee, Yank, Yankee-Doodle.

(verb) pull, or move with a sudden movement. Synonyms: jerk. Example: "He turned the handle and jerked the door open."