Definition
  1. to leap or jump suddenly and unexpectedly

    synonyms:jumpleap
Origin & Use

The word 'yerk' is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, possibly derived from the Middle English 'yerk', which means to jerk or jolt.


Yerk is often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe a sudden movement or action, making it more of a creative or expressive term rather than a common everyday word.


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The word 'yerk' is not frequently used in modern language and is more likely to be found in poetry or literary works rather than in everyday conversation.

Examples

The cat yerked back in surprise when the dog barked loudly.

As the roller coaster crested the hill, the thrill-seekers yerked with excitement.

With a sudden yerk, the child jumped off the swing and ran towards the ice cream truck.

More Info

The word 'yerk' may not be a common term in everyday conversations, but it certainly adds a splash of color to the English language! With its lively connotation of sudden movement, it paints a vivid picture of unexpected leaps and bounds. Originating from the Middle English word for a jolt, 'yerk' captures that moment when surprise meets action. So the next time you want to describe a quick jump or startle, consider giving 'yerk' a try!

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