Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

jack-knife

noun
/ˈjakˌnīf/
Definition
A type of folding knife that has one or more blades that fold into the handle, or it can refer to a sudden, sharp movement or action.
Examples
  • He pulled out his jack-knife to fix the frayed rope.
  • In the movie, the car made a sharp jack-knife turn to avoid the obstacle.
  • She always kept a jack-knife in her backpack for emergencies.
Meaning
The term ‘jack-knife’ can describe a specific type of knife or a sudden bending or folding motion, often associated with an abrupt change in position or direction.
Synonyms
  • folding knife
  • switchblade
  • pocket knife