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.]
jerk′er n.
jerk′ing·ly adv.
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.
[Back-formation from
jerky.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.