Definition of jolt
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: an abrupt, sharp, jerky blow or movement
awoke with a jolt
2a(1)
: a sudden feeling of shock, surprise, or disappointment
the news gave them a jolt
(2)
: an event or development causing such a feeling
the defeat was quite a jolt
b
: a serious setback or reverse
a severe financial jolt
3
: a small but potent or bracing portion of something
a jolt of horseradish
jolt
verb
jolted; jolting; jolts
Definition of jolt (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: to disturb the composure of : shock
crudely jolted out of that mood— Virginia Woolf an announcement that jolted the community
b
: to interfere with roughly, abruptly, and disconcertingly
determination to pursue his own course was jolted badly— F. L. Paxson
2
: to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
passengers being jolted along a bumpy road
3
: to give a knock or blow to
specifically
: to jar with a quick or hard blow
: to move with a sudden jerky motion
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Time Traveler for jolt
The first known use of jolt was in 1596
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