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Definitions

jerk

[jurk] / dʒɜrk /
NOUN
a lurching move
Synonyms
STRONG
bounce bump flick flop jolt pull quake quiver shiver snag thrust tug tweak twitch wiggle wrench wriggle yank
NOUN
contemptibly foolish person
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blockhead dolt dunce fool idiot imbecile
STRONG
dope oaf
WEAK
jackass nitwit numskull twit
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brain
VERB
move with lurch
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bounce bump fling flop hurtle jolt lug snatch thrust tug twitch wiggle wrench wriggle wring yank
STRONG
dance flick flip grab hook pluck pull quake quiver seize shiver shrug sling snag throw tweak vellicate whisk wrest
Antonyms
STRONG
be still

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's Olympic lifts we're doing - clean and jerk, snatches, squats, the lot," says men's lead Hammy McMillan.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Neither Lucia nor Kabawa offer the more familiar jerk chicken, choosing to urge diners into other corners of the cuisine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Am I being a jerk if I just don’t do anything at all?

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

Langston Higgins: You got soccer shoes, you got skate shoes, we had a jerk shoe.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

I give them a smile and a wave, so I don’t look like a complete jerk.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell