Jack

/jak/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A device for lifting heavy objects, typically a mechanical device with a lever and a lifting arm.

He used a jack to lift the car so he could change the tire.

A playing card worth eleven points in some card games, often depicted as a young man.

I drew a jack and a queen in my hand.

A familiar or common name for a man or boy.

Jack is coming over later for dinner.

A slang term for a man, especially one who is considered lively or good-natured.

He's a good jack, always up for a laugh.

verb

To raise or lift something with a jack.

We need to jack up the car to access the engine.

To increase something, especially in a sudden or significant way.

They jacked up the prices of concert tickets this year.

Middle English; possibly from the name Jack, a familiar form of John.

jack of all trades:

A person who has many skills but is not specialized in any.

jack it up:

To increase the level or amount of something.

jack in the box:

A child's toy that jumps out of a box when opened.

To steal something.

They jacked his bike while he was at the store.

To increase or enhance.

He jacked up the volume on the speakers.