knee-jerk (adjective) – (of a response) automatic and unthinking
(Pronounced nee-jerk)
To remember the definition of the word knee-jerk, use the following mnemonic:
She kneed the jerk (knee-jerk) in the face. It was an automatic response to his insult.
Examples of knee-jerk (adjective) in a sentence
Her knee-jerk reaction to the argument got her into a lot of trouble.
His knee-jerk response to the situation was far more relaxed than they had expected.
He was a frugal man who had a knee-jerk reaction to the mere thought of spending money.