फ़्लैशकार्ड

As a movement word, jerk refers to a short, sharp motion or the physical action of pulling, pushing, or twitching abruptly. It can describe mechanical actions, sudden vehicle starts, or involuntary muscle reflexes. In informal social contexts, jerk functions as a pejorative noun describing an unpleasant, self-centered, or discourteous person. While common in casual American speech, using the word as an insult reduces complex interpersonal problems to name-calling and tends to inflame disagreements.

The engine coughed twice before the lawnmower started with a violent jerk.