jerk

jerk · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A quick, sharp, sudden movement or pull.

  2. 2.

    To move or pull with a sudden, sharp motion.

  3. 3.

    (informal, derogatory) An annoying, stupid, or contemptible person.

  4. 4.

    To preserve meat by cutting it into strips and drying it.

  5. 5.

    A method of preserving meat by drying and seasoning it, especially in Caribbean cuisine (jerk chicken, jerk pork).

  6. 6.

    (weightlifting) A movement in which a weight is raised from shoulder height to above the head in one motion.

Forms

plural: jerks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    knee-jerk reaction — an automatic, unthinking response
  • •
    jerk around — to treat someone badly or waste their time
  • •
    jerk off — (vulgar) to masturbate; also, to waste time

Related words

See also: jerking, jerks, pull, yank
Synonyms: fool, idiot, pull, tug, yank

Etymology

Origin uncertain, possibly from an obsolete word meaning "to strike" or "to lash." The culinary term may come from Quechua charki ("dried meat"), source of "jerky."