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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.

An Oakland city employee in the jury pool referred to Musk as "a jerk."

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“We want a guy to be his authentic self. As long as he’s not a jerk, we love it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

"It's Olympic lifts we're doing - clean and jerk, snatches, squats, the lot," says Hammy McMillan, who's gold medal-tipped men's rink start their campaign on Wednesday.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

The landing gear screeches as we jerk to a stop.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera