Definition Definition

jerk - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'jerk' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Jerk [ n.]
- A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake, or similar motion.
- A sudden start or spring.
2 . Jerk [ v. i.]
- To make a sudden motion; to move with a start, or by starts.
- To flout with contempt.
3 . Jerk [ v. t.]
- To cut into long slices or strips and dry in the sun; as, jerk beef. See Charqui.
- To beat; to strike.
- To give a quick and suddenly arrested thrust, push, pull, or twist, to; to yerk; as, to jerk one with the elbow; to jerk a coat off.
- To throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand; as, to jerk a stone.

Meaning of 'jerk' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . jerk [ v]
Meaning (1):
- throw or toss with a quick motion
Example in sentence:
  • flick a piece of paper across the table;
  • jerk his head
Meaning (2):
- pull, or move with a sudden movement
Example in sentence:
  • He turned the handle and jerked the door open
Meaning (3):
- make an uncontrolled, short, jerky motion
Example in sentence:
  • his face is twitching
Meaning (4):
- move with abrupt, seemingly uncontrolled motions
Example in sentence:
  • The patient's legs were jerkings
Meaning (5):
- jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched
Example in sentence:
  • the yung filly bucked