yerk

[ yurk ]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yerk¹

1400–50; late Middle English < ?

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

But an I get the first yerk of a chield, I'm no unco feared for his return.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

But Whiffle never could acquit Yerk of having been, directly or indirectly, the cause of his suffering from the impure shower.

From Project Gutenberg