jerk

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: bezeichnet eine plötzliche, ruckartige Bewegung; eine dumme oder verachtenswerte Person; oder eine Art getrocknetes Fleisch, neben weiteren speziellen Verwendungen.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to a sudden, sharp movement; a foolish or contemptible person; or a type of dried meat, among other specialized uses.

1. A foolish or annoying personA2informalamerican

   A person who is considered stupid, rude, or unpleasant.

   Idiot

   • Don't be such a jerk; apologize to her.
   • Some jerk cut me off in traffic this morning.
   • He's a total jerk for talking to her like that.

   Synonymeblockheadboorcreepdimwitdoltfoolidiotjackassloutnitwitoaf

   Antonymeangelsaint

2. A sudden, sharp movementB1formal

   An abrupt, uncontrolled movement or twitch.

   Ruck

   • The train started with a sudden jerk.
   • He felt a jerk in his leg as he was falling asleep.
   • The car came to a halt with a violent jerk.

   Synonymejoltlurchspasmstarttugtwitchwrenchyank

3. Rate of change of accelerationC1formalscientific

   In physics, the rate at which an object's acceleration changes over time.

   Ruck

   • The jerk of the elevator was carefully calculated by the engineers.
   • High jerk values can cause discomfort in passengers.
   • The formula for jerk is the derivative of acceleration.

   Synonymejoltlurchsurge

4. Dried meat stripsB1formalculinary

   Meat, typically beef, that has been cut into strips and dried in the sun, often seasoned.

   Dörrfleisch

   • They prepared jerk by drying strips of beef in the sun.
   • Jerk is a traditional preserved meat in some cultures.
   • The hikers carried jerk as a lightweight source of protein.

   Synonymejerky

5. Weightlifting movementB2formalsport

   The second part of a clean and jerk lift, where the weight is pushed from the shoulders to above the head.

   Stoßen

   • He completed the jerk with perfect form.
   • The jerk requires both strength and coordination.
   • She set a new personal record in the clean and jerk.

6. A sudden pullB1formal

   A quick, sharp pulling motion.

   Ruck

   • He gave the rope a firm jerk to free it.
   • A sudden jerk on the leash made the dog stop.
   • She felt a jerk on her sleeve and turned around.

   Synonymepulltugtwitchwrenchyank

• Verb, das eine plötzliche, ruckartige Bewegung oder einen Ruck bezeichnet, oft in eine bestimmte Richtung; auch für ein unwillkürliches Zucken.

A verb used to indicate a sudden, sharp movement or pull, often in a specific direction.

1. Pull or move suddenlyB1informal

   To pull or move something with a quick, sharp motion.

   Ruckartig ziehen

   • He jerked the rope to release the knot.
   • She jerked her hand away from the hot stove.
   • The driver jerked the steering wheel to avoid the pothole.

   Synonymejoltsnaptugtwitchwrenchyank

2. Move abruptly or uncontrollablyB1informal

   To move with sudden, uncontrolled, or seemingly involuntary motions.

   Ruckartig zucken

   • The old car jerked forward when he started the engine.
   • His leg jerked involuntarily during the exam.
   • The puppet jerked across the stage as the strings were pulled.

   Synonymebuckconvulseflinchjoltlurchspasmstarttwitchwince

3. Make a short, jerky motionB2informal

   To make an uncontrolled, short, and abrupt movement.

   Ruckartige Bewegung

   • The fish jerked on the line before swimming away.
   • She jerked in surprise when the door slammed.
   • The machine jerked as it started up.

   Synonymeflinchjoltlurchspasmstarttwitch

4. Jump vertically with stiff legsB2informal

   To jump straight up with legs stiff and back arched, often in a specific physical exercise or movement.

   Mit gestreckten Beinen hochspringen

   • The athlete jerked upward during the weightlifting competition.
   • He jerked his body to clear the bar in the high jump.
   • The dancers jerked in unison during the performance.

5. Throw or toss quicklyB1informal

   To throw or toss something with a quick, sharp motion.

   Ruckartig werfen

   • He jerked the ball to his teammate.
   • She jerked the keys onto the table.
   • The child jerked the toy across the room.

   Synonymecastchuckdashflingheavehurlpitchslingtoss

Phrasal-Variantenjerk off