Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large hare of western North America: A "jackrabbit" is a type of hare characterized by its very long ears and powerful hind legs, native to the open plains and deserts of western North America.

2. Verb:

   • To go forward or start with a fast, sudden movement: To "jackrabbit" means to begin moving or accelerate very abruptly and quickly, often with a jerking motion. This usage is derived from the animal's characteristic leaping start.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We saw a black-tailed jackrabbit dart across the desert road.
  • The jackrabbit's large ears help it regulate body temperature and detect predators.

• Verb:

  • The car's clutch was tricky, causing it to jackrabbit every time he tried to start.
  • The nervous horse jackrabbited out of the gate at the beginning of the race.

Advanced Usage

• The verb form is often used to describe the jerky, sudden start of a vehicle, especially when a driver releases the clutch too quickly.
  • New drivers often jackrabbit until they learn clutch control.

Variants and Related Words

• Hare: A general term for fast-running, long-eared mammals similar to rabbits. A jackrabbit is a specific type of hare.
• Jackrabbit start: A compound noun describing the sudden, jerky beginning of movement, typically for a vehicle.

Synonyms

• Noun: hare.
• Verb: jerk, lurch, bolt, start suddenly.

Related Phrases

• To take off like a jackrabbit: An idiom meaning to start or run away very suddenly and quickly.
  • When he heard the noise, he took off like a jackrabbit.

Noun

1. large hare of western North America

Verb

1. go forward or start with a fast, sudden movement