noun / verb
jerk
A short abrupt pulling movement.
She opens the stuck drawer with a quick jerk.
Etymology
Jerk has older senses involving sudden striking or pulling. The modern movement sense preserves that abrupt, short action; its ultimate origin is uncertain.
More examples
- He jerks the rope to ring the bell.
- A sudden jerk on the leash pulls me off balance.
- She jerked her hand away from the hot pan.
Forms
jerk · jerks · jerked · jerking
jerky adjective — Moving in sudden, uneven starts and stops.