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Glite Dictionary
⚡ A sharp movement ⚡ To jerk or strike
yerk

yerk

1 9.9
A sudden sharp pull that is quick and strong
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : tirón
  • She felt a sudden yerk in her shoulder.

Examples

  • The horse gave a yerk and broke away from its handler.

  • The dog gave a quick yerk when the leash pulled tight.

  • She felt a sudden yerk as the train started and nearly dropped her bag.

  • With a quick yerk, he pulled the rope free from the hook.

  • The horse made a sudden yerk as the rider lost his balance.

  • She felt a sharp yerk on the rope as he pulled her closer.

  • With a quick yerk, he snatched the toy from the dog's mouth.

Synonyms

hoick
vsyerk
  • UK
9.9

A sudden strong pull to lift or move something quickly

is a sudden sharp movement or blow that also includes impacts not just lifting
jank
vsyerk
  • US
9.9

A sudden sharp movement in a machine or vehicle

involves a quick forceful movement or blow rather than a mechanical twitch

How Forceful

to slam
323 2.3
to yank
196 4.1
yerk
  • Archaic
1 9.9
jerk
7 2.2
to twitch
66 2.8

Surface Forms

yerk singular
yerks plural

Etymology

Yerk is a short, noisy word that sounds like the action it names and is like the common words jerk or yank, all meaning 'a sudden sharp pull or blow'. So, when you feel a quick 'yerk', think of something being pulled or hit in one fast move.