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.

The motors can jerk you around, especially if you start, stop or change direction suddenly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“Pilots don’t try to avoid turbulence and jerk around their planes,” says Dr. Becky.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Am I a jerk for backing out now?

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

She nodded, a jerk of her chin upward, and the wind lifted her hair and made it nod too.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell