1. Lacking a steady rhythm
   "His jerking movements made it difficult for him to thread the needle";
   - arrhythmic, jerky, arhythmic

1. Pull, or move with a sudden movement
   "He turned the handle and jerked the door open";
   - yank [informal], hoick [informal]
    
2. Move with abrupt, seemingly uncontrolled motions
   "The patient's legs were jerking";
   - twitch
    
3. Make an uncontrolled, short, jerky motion
   "His arm jerked involuntarily";
   - twitch
    
4. Jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched
   "The horse jerked as the rider mounted";
   - buck, hitch
    
5. Throw or toss with a quick motion
   "jerk his head";
   - flick

See also: unsteady

Type of: draw, force, move, move involuntarily, move reflexively, pull, push

Encyclopedia: Jerking