What are the definitions of “jerk off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Waste time doing unimportant things.
You should get your work done and stop JERKING OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “jerk off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb jerk off is to waste time doing unimportant things. It is often used to describe someone who is not focusing on their work or responsibilities.
What are the different verb forms of “jerk off”?
| Root Verb | jerk off |
| Third Person Singular Present | jerks off |
| Present Participle | jerking off |
| Simple Past | jerked off |
| Past Participle | jerked off |
Example
He needs to stop jerking off and start studying for his exams.
Example
She always jerks off instead of doing her homework.
Example
He is jerking off again instead of helping with the housework.
Example
Yesterday, he jerked off all day and didn't do any work.
Example
He has jerked off the whole week and now he is behind on his project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “jerk off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“jerk off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He always jerks off when he should be studying.
Example
She jerked off instead of doing her chores.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“jerk off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He always jerks off when he should be studying.
Example
She jerked off instead of doing her chores.
Good things to know
Does “jerk off” have an informal or formal tone?
Jerk off is considered informal and is typically used in casual conversations. It is not appropriate for formal or professional settings due to its colloquial nature. For example, it would not be suitable to use this phrase in a business meeting or in a formal letter.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “jerk off”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- work
- focus
- concentrate
- be productive
- get down to business
- buckle down
- apply oneself
