Quack - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Quack refers to the harsh sound made by a duck. It can also describe a person who falsely claims medical expertise, often selling ineffective treatments. Both uses are common in English.
Definition:
The sound a duck makes, or a person who falsely claims medical expertise.
Synonyms:
charlatan, fraud, impostor, fake
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
expert, professional
Common Collocations:
quack doctor, quack medicine, loud quack
Derivatives:
quackery, quacksalver
Usage Tips:
Use "quack" for duck sounds or to describe unqualified medical practitioners derisively.
Common Phrases:
quack like a duck, quack doctor, full of quacks
Etymology:
Imitative origin for the sound; "quacksalver" (Dutch) for fraudulent healers influenced the second meaning.
Examples:
- 1. The duck let out a loud quack by the pond.
- 2. She avoided the quack selling fake miracle cures online.
- 3. The children laughed as they tried to quack like ducks.
- 4. His so-called remedy was just another quack treatment with no proof.