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Definitions

knee jerk

NOUN
involuntary kick or reaction
Synonyms
WEAK
automatic response involuntary impulse knee jerk reaction patellar reflex quadriceps reflex reflex
knee-jerk
ADJECTIVE
automatic
Synonyms
WEAK
expected predictable reflex spontaneous
NOUN
involuntary kick or reaction
Synonyms
WEAK
automatic response involuntary impulse knee jerk reaction patellar reflex quadriceps reflex reflex

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

In the past, Campbell said, India’s leaders have had “almost a knee jerk reaction” to resist such massive multilateral projects.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

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

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2023

“It wouldn’t surprise us if the knee jerk reaction was to sell and the end of the day we’d be higher.’

From Reuters • Mar. 21, 2022

Facilitation of the patellar reflex or "knee jerk".

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