Jerked: meaning, definitions and examples

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jerked

 

[ dʒɜːrkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical movement

The word 'jerked' generally refers to a sudden, sharp movement or action. It often implies a quick pull or twist of something, typically resulting in a sense of surprise or abruptness. This term can describe both involuntary muscular contractions and deliberate actions taken by individuals. Depending on the context, 'jerked' may also refer to an unexpected emotional reaction or response.

Synonyms

pulled, twisted, yanked

Examples of usage

  • She jerked her head in surprise.
  • He jerked the rope to signal the start.
  • The car jerked forward suddenly.
  • He jerked back his hand from the hot surface.

Translations

Translations of the word "jerked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estremecido

🇮🇳 झटका दिया

🇩🇪 gezuckt

🇮🇩 terkejut

🇺🇦 різко потягнув

🇵🇱 szarpnięty

🇯🇵 引いた

🇫🇷 secoué

🇪🇸 sacudido

🇹🇷 sarsılmış

🇰🇷 당겼다

🇸🇦 اهتز

🇨🇿 trhnutý

🇸🇰 trhnutý

🇨🇳 猛拉

🇸🇮 zanič

🇮🇸 skekkt

🇰🇿 сілкеленген

🇬🇪 ზურგით

🇦🇿 sarsılmış

🇲🇽 sacudido

Word origin

The term 'jerk' has its origins in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'jerken', which meant to pull sharply or suddenly. The word is likely influenced by Dutch 'jurken', meaning to twitch or jerk. Over time, the term evolved in both its spelling and connotation. Initially used to describe quick movements or actions, the term began to encompass various meanings in different contexts, ranging from physical actions to metaphorical use in expressing emotional responses. The past tense form 'jerked' became widely accepted in English, representing the action of jerking in both physical and figurative scenarios. In modern usage, 'jerked' can also carry informal connotations, sometimes used in slang or colloquial expressions referring to foolish or erratic behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,740, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.