yerk

American  

[yurk] / jɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to strike or whip.

2. to stir up; arouse; excite.

3. to jerk.

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

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

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verb (used without object)

1. to kick.

2. to rise suddenly.

3. to enter into something eagerly.

noun

1. a kick or jerk.

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

Etymology

Origin of yerk

1400–50; late Middle English < ?

Example Sentences

I'll say naething, but I'll yerk at the thinking.

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander

"Puir body!" he cried, an' wi' a yerk   Aff o' his cuddy he sprang.

From The poetical works of George MacDonald in two volumes — Volume 2 by MacDonald, George

With a jerk and a yerk, we broke ground; and up to our bows came several thousand pounds of old iron, in the shape of our ponderous anchor.

From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Melville, Herman

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.

From The Shepherd's Calendar Volume I (of II) by Hogg, James

Ise would vight with the best of our Parish, And play at Whisters with Mary; Cou’d thump the Vootball, yerk the Morrie, And box at Visticuffs with any: But these Guns, &c.

From Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 5 of 6 by D'Urfey, Thomas