to yerk

Examples

• All

• He yerked the rope to get her attention.

• Don't yerk the dog like that!

• The rider gave the reins a sharp yerk to urge the horse forward.

• With a quick yerk, she tossed the ball across the field.

• The rider gave the reins a sharp yerk to urge the horse forward.

• With a quick yerk, she tossed the ball across the field.

• Don't yerk the dog like that!

Synonyms

K

to kick

vsto yerk

323 6.8

Move back suddenly because of a strong push or impact

is about directed sudden movement or throwing not machine recoil

J

to jerk

vsto yerk

217 2.0

To move something suddenly and sharply

is broader, also used for hitting or throwing with sudden force

F

to fling

vsto yerk

16 4.1

To move yourself suddenly and forcefully, often without control

is similar but also includes sharp striking as well as throwing

J

to jolt

vsto yerk

15 3.7

To move in a sudden, rough way

is a sharper sudden action often aimed at striking or throwing

S

to strike out

vsto yerk

4 4.1

Move suddenly toward someone to try to hit or kick them

is sharper and can mean throwing as well as attacking motion

T

to twitch

vsto yerk

4 3.3

To move something quickly so it turns over in the air

is usually larger sudden action not a small flip or toss

S

to swack

vsto yerk

• Archaic

1 9.9

To hit someone or something hard

is less about pure force and more about sudden movement or throwing

W

to wack

vsto yerk

• Informal

1 8.9

Hit someone or something quickly and hard

is broader, also covers quick throwing or sudden movement not only hitting

How Forceful

to hurl

53 3.6

to yank

196 4.1

fling

9 3.2

to yerk

• Archaic

9.9

jerk

7 2.2

to twitch

66 2.8

Surface Forms

Etymology