Jerk

/dʒɜrk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a contemptibly obnoxious person; someone who acts inconsiderately

I can't believe he said that to her; what a jerk!

a sudden sharp movement

The runner felt a jerk in his leg as he strained a muscle.

verb

to pull, push, or twist with a sudden motion

He jerked the door open, surprised to find no one inside.

to make a sudden movement; to start or stop abruptly

The car jerked forward when the driver stepped on the gas pedal.

Middle English 'jerke', possibly from Old Norse 'gerkja' meaning 'to jerk'.

jerk someone around

To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly.

good jerk

A term sometimes used to describe a person who is not genuinely mean.

yank

To pull something with a quick and sudden movement.

tug

To pull something with a sharp or sudden movement.

fool

A person who acts unwisely or imprudently.

An annoying or rude person.

Why are you being such a jerk to her?

To mess around in a foolish manner.

Stop jerking off and focus on your work.

A sudden unexpected move.

He made a jerk to the left to avoid the obstacle.