Real Dictionary

jerk
verb: If you jerk something or someone in a particular direction, or they jerk in a particular direction, they move a short distance very suddenly and quickly.

jerk in American English 1
a sharp, abrupt movement; quick pull, twist, push, etc.
to move with a jerk or in jerks
to pull, twist, push, thrust, or throw with a sudden, sharp movement
noun: a quick, sharp pull, thrust, twist, throw, or the like; a sudden movement

jerk in American English 2
jerky2
to preserve (meat) by slicing into strips and drying, esp. originally in the sun
adjective: being or containing a spicy seasoning mixture flavored with allspice, used esp. in Jamaican cooking
transitive verb: to preserve (meat, esp. beef) by cutting in strips and curing by drying in the sun

jerk in British English 1
noun: an abrupt or spasmodic movement
verb: to move or cause to move with an irregular or spasmodic motion

jerk in British English 2
to preserve (venison, beef, etc) by cutting into thin strips and curing by drying in the sun
noun: jerked meat, esp beef