Jerker

jerk ¹  (jûrk)

v. jerked, jerk·ing, jerks

v.tr.

1. To give a sudden quick thrust, push, pull, or twist to.

2. To throw or toss with a quick abrupt motion.

3. To utter abruptly or sharply: jerked out the answer.

4. To make and serve (ice-cream sodas, for example) at a soda fountain.

5. Sports To press (a weight) overhead from shoulder height in a quick motion.

v.intr.

1. To move in sudden abrupt motions; jolt: The train jerked forward.

2. To make spasmodic motions: My legs jerked from fatigue.

n.

1. A sudden abrupt motion, such as a yank or twist.

2. A jolting or lurching motion.

3. Physiology A sudden reflexive or spasmodic muscular movement.

4. jerks Involuntary convulsive twitching often resulting from excitement. Often used with the.

5. Slang A foolish, rude, or contemptible person.

6. Sports A lift in which the weight is heaved overhead from shoulder height with a quick motion.

Phrasal Verbs:

jerk off Vulgar Slang

To masturbate.

jerk around

To take unfair advantage of, deceive, or manipulate.

---

[Origin unknown.]

---

jerker n.

jerking·ly adv.

Synonyms: jerk¹, snap, 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)

tr.v. jerked, jerk·ing, jerks

To cut (meat) into long strips and dry in the sun or cure by exposing to smoke.

adj.

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.

---

[Back-formation from jerky.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

jerker - someone who gives a strong sudden pull yanker puller - someone who applies force so as to cause motion toward herself or himself