nounπShareA sudden, often uncontrolled movement, especially of the body."The old car started with a series of violent jerks before finally moving smoothly. "bodyactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA quick, often unpleasant tug or shake."When I yell "OK," give the mooring line a good jerk!"actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA dull or stupid person."My brother and his friends can be such jerks sometimes; they never think before they act. "personcharacterattitudehumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA person with unlikable or obnoxious qualities and behavior, typically mean, self-centered or disagreeable."I finally fired him, because he was being a real jerk to his customers, even to some of the staff."personcharacterattitudehumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe rate of change in acceleration with respect to time."The engineer measured the jerks of the elevator's motion to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers. "physicsscienceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA soda jerk."The soda jerk at the corner store made a delicious cherry limeade. "personjobservicefooddrinkChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA lift in which the weight is taken with a quick motion from shoulder height to a position above the head with arms fully extended and held there for a brief time."The weightlifter performed three successful jerks, each time raising the heavy barbell smoothly above his head. "sportactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make a sudden uncontrolled movement."The car jerks forward when the driver accidentally presses the gas pedal too hard. "bodyactionphysiologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo give a quick, often unpleasant tug or shake."The child jerked the rope, pulling the swing quickly back and forth. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo beat, to hit."The mechanic jerks the wrench to loosen the stuck bolt. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand."to jerk a stone"actionsportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(usually transitive) To lift using a jerk."The weightlifter jerks the heavy barbell above his head with a powerful motion. "actionsportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo flout with contempt."He jerks at the rules, openly ignoring them with a smirk. "attitudecharacteractionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo cure (meat) by cutting it into strips and drying it, originally in the sun."My grandfather jerks beef every autumn, following a recipe passed down through generations. "foodprocessagricultureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
