Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
knee-jerk-reaction
noun
/ˌniː ˈdʒɜːrk rɪˈækʃən/
Definition
A knee-jerk reaction is an immediate and automatic response to a situation or stimulus, often without thoughtful consideration.
Examples
- His knee-jerk reaction was to shout when he was startled.
- Many people have a knee-jerk reaction to political issues without fully understanding them.
- She realized her knee-jerk reaction to criticism wasn’t helping her professional growth.
Meaning
It refers to a quick, instinctive reaction that doesn’t involve careful thought or deliberation.
Synonyms
- impulsive response
- automatic reaction
- instant response
