yerk

[ yurk ]

verb (used with object)
  1. to strike or whip.

  2. to stir up; arouse; excite.

  1. to jerk.

  2. to move (a part of one's body) with a jerk.

  3. to pull (stitches) tight or bind tightly.

verb (used without object)
  1. to kick.

  2. to rise suddenly.

  1. to enter into something eagerly.

noun
  1. a kick or jerk.

  2. a thud or blow, as from a stick.

Origin of yerk

1
1400–50; late Middle English < ?

Words Nearby yerk

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use yerk in a sentence

  • George bit his lip, scratched his head with the awl, and gave the lingles such a yerk, that he made them both crack in two.

  • Crack on, Mr yerk, and let us overhaul this small swaggerer.

    Tom Cringle's Log | Michael Scott
  • But an I get the first yerk of a chield, I'm no unco feared for his return.

  • Ship aboard of us for Noo yerk, and if that dont make a man of yoo, call me small pumpkins arterwards.

    Cradock Nowell, Vol. 3 (of 3) | Richard Doddridge Blackmore
  • But Whiffle never could acquit yerk of having been, directly or indirectly, the cause of his suffering from the impure shower.

    Tom Cringle's Log | Michael Scott