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

“A sensible conversation is needed when balancing community safety with personal liberty. This is not a time for knee jerk responses,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

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

From BBC • Aug. 8, 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

Anxious attention to the knee jerk inhibits it; gritting the teeth or clenching the fist reinforces it.

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