yerk

1 of 2

verb

ˈyərk 

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 entry 1 sense 2

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps development of an earlier sense "to draw stitches (of a shoe) tight," going back to Middle English yerkyd (past participle) "drawn tight," of uncertain origin

Noun

derivative of yerk entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1