Jerk /(jẽrk)/

1. To cut into long slices or strips and dry in the sun; as, to jerk beef. See Charqui.

imp. & p. p. Jerked; p. pr. & vb. n. Jerking

1. To beat; to strike. [Obs.]
2. 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.
3. To throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand; as, to jerk a stone.

1. To make a sudden motion; to move with a start, or by starts.
2. To flout with contempt.

1. A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake, or similar motion.

   His jade gave him a jerk.

2. A sudden start or spring.

   Lobsters . . . swim backwards by jerks or springs.

3. A foolish, stupid, or otherwise contemptible person. [Slang]
4. The lifting of a weight, in a single rapid motion, from shoulder height until the arms are outstretched above the head; distinguished from press in that the motion in a jerk is more rapid, and the body may be moved under the weight to assist completion of the movement; as, a clean and jerk of two hundred pounds. (Sport)
5. Calisthenic exercises, such as push-ups or deep knee bends; also called physical jerks. [British]