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

"If I cannot sew, I can yerk."

From Project Gutenberg

One cannot put one’s finger to one’s nose, or yerk ye in the ribs, or lay hold of your button in writing; but in all the most lively and titterly parts of my letter you must not fail to imagine me, as the epic poets say, now here, now there; now with one foot pointed at the ceiling, now with another; now with my pen on my ear, now with my elbow in my mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

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

Kindle up your crackers, and yerk away!

From Project Gutenberg

Eh, but she maun hae made thae soldiers of Herod and thae grand wise-like lords yerk and fidge juist to watch her.

From Project Gutenberg