I. ˈjərk noun
Etymology: probably alteration of yerk
Date: 1575
1. : a single quick motion of short duration
2.
a. : jolting, bouncing, or thrusting motions
b. : a tendency to produce spasmodic motions
3.
a. : an involuntary spasmodic muscular movement due to reflex action
b. plural : involuntary twitchings due to nervous excitement
4.
a. : an annoyingly stupid or foolish person
b. : an unlikable person ; especially : one who is cruel, rude, or small-minded
5. : the pushing of a weight from shoulder height to a position overhead in weight lifting
II. verb
Date: 1589
transitive verb
1. : to give a quick suddenly arrested push, pull, or twist to
2. : to propel or move with or as if with a quick suddenly arrested motion
3. : to mix and serve (as sodas) behind a soda fountain
intransitive verb
1. : to make a sudden spasmodic motion
2. : to move in short abrupt motions or with frequent jolts
• jerk·er noun
III. transitive verb
Etymology: back-formation from jerky (I)
Date: 1707
: to preserve (meat) in long sun-dried slices