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yerk

To throw or thrust with a sudden, smart movement; to kick or strike suddenly; to jerk.

jɜː(ɹ)k162 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(transitive, archaic) To stab (someone or something).

Origin: From , from , compare active, quick, from , from . Cognate with jerk; see yare for more cognates. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"yerk" means: To stab (someone or something).. It carries a violent or aggressive reference, so it is worth noting the context. In most cases the word is used jokingly or for emphasis rather than as a sign of real intent. A calm question about where it was heard is usually all that is needed; pay more attention to behaviour and tone than to the word itself.

For ESL learners

"yerk" means: To stab (someone or something).. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. Note the regional or dialect label (archaic) — usage may sound odd outside that variety. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(obsolete, Scotland) To strike or lash with a whip or stick.

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Show 1 more dictionary-style sense (imported)
#1·Apr 27, 2026

To throw or thrust with a sudden, smart movement; to kick or strike suddenly; to jerk.

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