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