Pronunciation: /dʒɜrk/

Definitions of jerk

noun a contemptibly obnoxious or foolish person

Example Sentences

A1 He is such a jerk for not helping me with my homework.

A2 The jerk at the store refused to give me a refund.

B1 She called him a jerk after he made a rude comment.

B2 The boss can be a real jerk sometimes, but he gets the job done.

C1 His behavior was seen as that of a jerk by his colleagues, leading to his dismissal.

C2 Despite his intelligence, his arrogance often comes across as jerk-like to others.

verb to move or cause to move with a quick, sharp motion

Example Sentences

A1 He jerked the door open in a hurry.

A2 She jerked her hand away from the hot stove.

B1 The bus driver jerked the steering wheel to avoid the pothole.

B2 The chef jerked the pan to toss the vegetables in the air.

C1 The dancer jerked her body in time with the music.

C2 The actor jerked his head back in shock during the intense scene.

Examples of jerk in a Sentence

formal The technician was able to fix the machine despite dealing with a difficult jerk of a coworker.

informal I can't believe that jerk cut in line ahead of us!

slang That guy is such a jerk, always causing trouble.

figurative Don't be a jerk and ruin the party for everyone else.

Grammatical Forms of jerk

past tense

jerked

plural

jerks

comparative

jerkier

superlative

jerkiest

present tense

jerk

future tense

will jerk

perfect tense

have jerked

continuous tense

is jerking

singular

jerk

positive degree

jerk

infinitive

to jerk

gerund

jerking

participle

jerked

Origin and Evolution of jerk

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'jerk' originated from the Middle English word 'irk', meaning to annoy or irritate.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'jerk' evolved to also mean a sudden, sharp movement or a contemptible person, reflecting a shift in its usage and meaning.