yerk

1 of 2

verb

ˈyərk How to pronounce yerk (audio)
yerked; yerking; yerks

transitive verb

1
dialect : to beat vigorously : thrash
2
dialect : to attack or excite vigorously : goad

yerk

2 of 2

noun

1
Scotland : a lashing out : kick
2
dialect : jerk sense 1

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to bind tightly

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yerk was circa 1520

Dictionary Entries Near yerk

Yerevan

yerk

Yerkes

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Yerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yerk. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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