kneejerk
Automatic, not considered
Kneejerk describes an automatic, unthinking response—like the reflexive leg kick when a doctor taps below your kneecap.
A kneejerk reaction happens without deliberation or analysis: His kneejerk response was to blame the media.
The term usually carries a dismissive tone, suggesting the response lacks thoughtfulness.
Also spelled knee-jerk.
Acting without deliberation
- spontaneousArising without external cause
- automaticOperating without intervention
- instinctiveArising without conscious thought
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
visceral · gut · snap · immediate · unthinking · reactive · mechanical · habitual
Excessively quick, ill-considered
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- precipitateHeadlong and reckless
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
- unpremeditatedWithout advance planning
unreflective · mindless · heedless · careless · unreasoned · irrational · shortsighted · ill-considered
Of the kneecap
- reflexInvoluntary stimulus response
- tendonMuscle-to-bone connector
- hammerTool for striking nails
- neurologicalOf the nervous system
spinal · quadriceps · arc · stretch · tap · test · clinical · examination
Answer to stimulus
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- outburstSudden emotional release
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- recoilBackward force from discharge
defensiveness · overreaction · blowback · pushback · lashing out · flare-up · comeback · rejoinder
impulsive
Acting without deliberation
- spontaneousArising without external cause
- automaticOperating without intervention
- instinctiveArising without conscious thought
involuntary · visceral · gut · snap · immediate · unthinking · reactive · mechanical · habitual · unconscious
hasty
Excessively quick, ill-considered
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- precipitateHeadlong and reckless
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
unpremeditated · unreflective · mindless · heedless · careless · unreasoned · irrational · shortsighted · ill-considered · premature
patellar
Of the kneecap
neurological · spinal · quadriceps · arc · stretch · tap · test · clinical · examination · neuron
response
Answer to stimulus
recoil · defensiveness · overreaction · blowback · pushback · lashing out · flare-up · comeback · rejoinder · provoked
kneejerkdeliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
thoughtful · considered · measured · reasoned · reflective
kneejerkindependent
Free from external control
original · nuanced · critical · freethinking · open-minded
knee, knees, kneecap, jerked, jerks, kneeling, knelt, jerking, kneepad