Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

knee-jerk

adjective

/ˈniː dʒɜːrk/

Definition

A knee-jerk response is an automatic reaction to a situation, often without thoughtful consideration.

Examples

His knee-jerk reaction to the news was anger rather than understanding.
She often gives knee-jerk responses to questions instead of taking a moment to think.
The committee’s knee-jerk decision was criticized for lacking thorough analysis.

Meaning

The term originated from the physical reflex of the knee that occurs when the tendon below the kneecap is tapped, causing the leg to kick out. In a figurative sense, it refers to quick, unthinking reactions.