English Explanatory Dictionary

yerk

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To stab (someone or something).
  2. To throw or thrust with a sudden, smart movement; to kick or strike suddenly; to jerk.
  3. To strike or lash with a whip or stick.
  4. To rouse or excite.
  5. To bind or tie with a jerk.
noun
  1. A sudden or quick thrust or motion; a jerk.

Pronunciation

/jɜː(ɹ)k/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-yerk.wav

Word forms

yerk yerks yerking yerked

Etymology

From Middle English ȝerken (“to move suddenly, excite, bind tightly, attack”), from Old English ġearcian (“to prepare, make ready”), compare ġearc (“active, quick”), from Proto-Germanic *garwakōną (“to prepare”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰrebʰ- (“to grab, take”). Cognate with jerk; see yare for more cognates.

Synonyms

foin speet chef chib ching chive enthrill gore gride jab job juke kebab knifecrime lancinate pigstick pink poach run through shank shiv spear splash stab stick stob stog thrust yerk slash whip exhilarate quicken animate awaken electrify enflame enkindle exagitate excite exsuscitate fillip fire fire the blood galvanize gin up ignite inflame intoxicate kindle rouse send set fire to set on fire sharpen stir the blood suscitate thrill vitalise wake
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