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yerk

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

Definition of yerk

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

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

yerk

noun

Definition of yerk (Entry 2 of 2)

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

First Known Use of yerk

Verb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for yerk

Verb

Middle English, to bind tightly

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Dictionary Entries Near yerk

Yerevan

yerk

Yerkes

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Cite this Entry

“Yerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yerk. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

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