jerk
UK[dʒɜːk]US[dʒɜːrk]
v
To make a short, sudden movement, or to cause something to move in this way.
n
A quick, sharp, sudden movement.
n
(informal) A person who is not considered to be pleasant or acceptable, especially because they are stupid or unkind.
Etymology
The verb 'jerk' first appeared in English in the mid-16th century. Its origin is obscure but it is likely imitative, meant to echo the sound or sensation of a sharp, abrupt pull or throw. This onomatopoeic quality effectively links the word's form directly to its core meaning of a sudden, uncontrolled movement. By the early 20th century, the term had evolved a figurative sense in American slang, applying the notion of abrupt, foolish, or disagreeable behavior to a person, giving us the informal noun meaning.
Analysis
The word 'jerk' is a simplex word of uncertain, possibly onomatopoeic, origin. It does not lend itself to segmentation into productive morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The car jerked forward when he released the clutch too quickly.
She gave the rope a sharp jerk to free it from the branch.
He was acting like a real jerk when he cut in line.