Synonyms for the phrase "jerking up down" include tugging, yanking, jolting, wrenching, heaving, and yanking up and down. These words all describe quick and forceful movements that are typically disruptive or abrupt. Jerking up and down can refer to a physical motion, such as someone pulling on a rope or trying to start a stubborn lawn mower. However, it can also describe emotional or mental states, such as feeling anxious or agitated. Whatever the context, the synonyms for jerking up and down all suggest a sense of sudden and sometimes violent upheaval.