knee-jerk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Everyone recognizes there is a growing antibiotic resistance crisis, and the knee jerk reaction is to develop new antibiotics," You added.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2024

But a former cabinet minister - strongly opposed to withdrawal - described the idea as "knee jerk nonsense".

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2023

“This is a perfect example of a knee jerk ‘just do something’ mentality,” said Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2023

But after the knee jerk reaction, the focus will turn to the ECB and the rate outlook and that will be key driver for European stocks and bonds.”

From Reuters • Apr. 24, 2022

For all that, the cerebrum can exert an influence on the knee jerk.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.