jerk
0 antonyms and opposites of jerk, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To move suddenly and sharply, often without control.
How to use jerk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Probably from an old English word meaning "ready" or "quick", describing a sudden sharp motion; the Jamaican cooking sense is unrelated and comes from a different, disputed source.
Full origin of jerk →Frequently asked questions
What does “jerk” mean?
The word “jerk” means to move suddenly and sharply, often without control. In plain terms, a short, sudden pull or movement — or, informally, a rude and inconsiderate person.
How do you pronounce “jerk”?
“Jerk” is pronounced JURK (/ˈd͡ʒɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “jerk” in a sentence?
Here is “jerk” used in a sentence: “The train jerked forward and threw everyone off balance.”
What is another word for “jerk”?
Words with a similar meaning to “jerk” include assbag, assbreath, assbucket, assface, assfag and assfaggot.
What part of speech is “jerk”?
Depending on how it is used, “jerk” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “jerk” come from?
The word “jerk” comes from Old English. Probably from an old English word meaning "ready" or "quick", describing a sudden sharp motion; the Jamaican cooking sense is unrelated and comes from a different, disputed source.
Is “jerk” a common word?
“Jerk” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “jerk” have?
“Jerk” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move suddenly and sharply, often without control.
What is the difference between jerk and yank?
Both involve a quick, sharp pull, but yank emphasizes pulling something hard toward you, as in "he yanked the door open." Jerk covers any sudden, sharp movement, including movements you do not control, so a train can jerk to a halt and a sleeping person's leg can jerk. Yank is almost always a deliberate action; jerk often is not.
Is calling someone a jerk offensive?
Calling someone a jerk labels them an unpleasant or inconsiderate person, so it is insulting, but it sits at the mild end of the scale. It is informal and contains no profanity, which is why it is common in casual speech and family films. It is still best avoided in formal or professional settings.