jerk
1 (jûrk)
[Origin unknown.]
verb: jerked, jerk·ing, jerks.
transitive verb
- To give a sudden quick thrust, push, pull, or twist to.
- To throw or toss with a quick abrupt motion.
- To utter abruptly or sharply: jerked out the answer.
- To make and serve (ice-cream sodas, for example) at a soda fountain.
- Sports To press (a weight) overhead from shoulder height in a quick motion.
intransitive verb
- To move in sudden abrupt motions; jolt: The train jerked forward.
- To make spasmodic motions: My legs jerked from fatigue.
noun
- A sudden abrupt motion, such as a yank or twist.
- A jolting or lurching motion.
- Physiology A sudden reflexive or spasmodic muscular movement.
- Involuntary convulsive twitching often resulting from excitement. Often used with the.
- Slang A foolish, rude, or contemptible person.
- Sports A lift in which the weight is heaved overhead from shoulder height with a quick motion.
phrasal verbs
- jerk off
- To masturbate.
- jerk around
- To take unfair advantage of, deceive, or manipulate.
derivatives
- jerḱer
- noun
- jerḱing·ly
- adverb
synonyms:
jerk1snap, twitch, wrench, yank These verbs mean to move with a sudden short, quick motion: jerked the rope twice to pull it taut; snapped the lock shut; was twitching her mouth nervously; wrenched the stick out of his hand; yanks the door open.
jerk
2 (jûrk)
[Back-formation from jerky2.]
transitive verb: jerked, jerk·ing, jerks.
- To cut (meat) into long strips and dry in the sun or cure by exposing to smoke.
adjective
- Being or relating to a method of barbecuing meat that has been seasoned and wrapped in leaves of the allspice tree: jerk chicken; jerk pork.
