jolt
1jolt
verb \ˈjōlt\Definition of JOLT
transitive verb
1
: to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
2
: to give a knock or blow to; specifically : to jar with a quick or hard blow
3
a : to disturb the composure of : shock <crudely jolted out of that mood — Virginia Woolf> b : to interfere with roughly, abruptly, and disconcertingly <determination to pursue his own course was jolted badly — F. L. Paxson>
intransitive verb
: to move with a sudden jerky motion
— jolt·er noun
Examples of JOLT
- The explosion jolted the ship.
- He was jolted forward when the bus stopped suddenly.
- The loud bang jolted me awake.
- The attack jolted the country into action.
- She jolted the medical world with her announcement.
Origin of JOLT
probably blend of obsolete joll to strike and jot to bump
First Known Use: 1596
Related to JOLT
2jolt
nounDefinition of JOLT
1
: an abrupt sharp jerky blow or movement
2
a (1) : a sudden feeling of shock, surprise, or disappointment (2) : an event or development causing such a feeling <the defeat was quite a jolt> b : a serious check or reverse <a severe financial jolt>
3
: a small potent or bracing portion <a jolt of horseradish>
— jolty \ˈjōl-tē\ adjective
Examples of JOLT
- I sprang out of bed with a jolt.
- The car stopped with a jolt.
- I got quite a jolt when I heard the door slam.
- The defeat was quite a jolt to the team.
- The stock market suffered a major jolt yesterday.
- She needed a jolt of caffeine to start her day.
- The unexpected praise he received gave him a jolt of confidence.
First Known Use of JOLT
1599
Learn More About JOLT
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up jolt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 








