1 B2 neutral
To pull something upward suddenly with a quick, sharp movement.
"She jerked up the window when she smelled smoke outside."
separable
jerk up
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To pull or move something upward suddenly and sharply.
In plain English
pull it up fast and hard
What does "jerk up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To move upward suddenly and sharply.
"His head jerked up when he heard his name."
inseparable
Usage tip
More literal than idiomatic in most uses. Often appears in descriptions of sudden movement.
Words that pair with "jerk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
head arm window chin blanket
How to conjugate "jerk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jerk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jerks up
he/she/it
Past simple
jerked up
yesterday
Past participle
jerked up
have + pp
-ing form
jerking up
continuous
Hear "jerk up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "jerk up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "jerk up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.