Definition of jerk

• v. t. - To cut into long slices or strips and dry in the sun; as, jerk beef. See Charqui.
• v. t. - To beat; to strike.
• v. t. - To give a quick and suddenly arrested thrust, push, pull, or twist, to; to yerk; as, to jerk one with the elbow; to jerk a coat off.
• v. t. - To throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand; as, to jerk a stone.
• v. i. - To make a sudden motion; to move with a start, or by starts.
• v. i. - To flout with contempt.
• n. - A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake, or similar motion.
• n. - A sudden start or spring.