Meaning & use
jerk
An annoying, contemptible, or foolish person, especially one who behaves selfishly or rudely.
See it in a sentence
He was being such a jerk to the waiter that his friends apologized on his behalf.
Only a jerk would cut in line in front of an elderly customer.
A note on using this word
Jerk is informal and mildly vulgar; it is common in casual speech but best avoided in formal or professional writing.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To move or pull with a sudden, sharp motion.
She jerked her hand back when the pan turned out to be hot.
Make it your own
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