yerk

American  

[yurk] / yɜrk /

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

"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

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

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

I’s know better dan trust you anoder time if ever I gets over dis,’ ses he, an’ he kick out one leg wid a yerk as if he’s goin’ a deader.

From Old Hendrik's Tales by Vaughan, Arthur Owen

‘Dat’s it, is it?’ an’ he ramp an’ he yerk, an’ car’ on.

From Old Hendrik's Tales by Vaughan, Arthur Owen