knee-jerk

adjective

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\ ˈnē-ˌjərk

, -ˈjərk \

Definition of knee-jerk

(Entry 1 of 2)

: readily predictable : automatic knee-jerk reactions also, disapproving : reacting in a readily predictable way The man was such a bleeding-heart knee-jerk liberal that you could predict the rest of the column after reading the first sentence. — Andrew M. Greeley

knee jerk

noun

Definition of knee jerk (Entry 2 of 2)

: an involuntary forward kick produced by a light blow on the tendon below the patella

Synonyms & Antonyms Did you know? Example Sentences Learn More About knee-jerk

Synonyms & Antonyms for knee-jerk

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

nonmechanical

Did you know?

Around 1876, the sudden involuntary extension of the leg in response to a light blow just below the knee, which is also known as the patellar reflex, was given the refreshingly simple designation knee jerk. In the 1950s, knee-jerk became an adjective with a figurative sense that doesn't require any actual twitching. "As a salesman, I'm getting a bit weary of the knee-jerk association of a con artist with my professional calling," a correspondent once wrote to The New York Times Magazine. Knee-jerk often has a negative connotation. It usually denotes a too-hasty, impulsive, perhaps even irrational response that is often based on preconceived notions.

Examples of knee-jerk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun When the term was explained to the uninitiated, the knee jerk response was that paying attention to ESG (or certainly the E and S parts) was a way for companies and investors to lose money. — Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 3 June 2022 Instead of taking the knee jerk reaction of picking up your toys and going home. — Laura Johnston, cleveland, 28 Feb. 2022 Despite the substantial losses the crypto market took over the weekend, King said the selloffs were merely a knee jerk reaction that happens from time to time, and not something to worry about in the long term. — Fortune, 6 Dec. 2021 This transit can create confusion, and doesn't support knee jerk reactions. — Venus Australis, refinery29.com, 19 Oct. 2020 My knee jerk reaction was to call the police and have Elenor call our neighbor friends a couple houses down. — Marina Gomberg, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 Sep. 2020 The Narendra Modi government’s knee jerk decision to curtail ties with China overnight could cost India heavily. — Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 2 July 2020 The knee jerk reaction to provide ventilators for Africa is understandable. — Efosa Ojomo, Quartz Africa, 2 May 2020 The knee jerk is, how could a team in UC’s precarious postseason position not try? — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 2 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knee-jerk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knee-jerk. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for knee-jerk

knee jerk

noun

Medical Definition of knee jerk

: an involuntary forward jerk or kick produced by a light blow or sudden strain upon the patellar tendon of the knee that causes a reflex contraction of the quadriceps muscle

— called also patellar reflex