jolt

[ johlt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to jar, shake, or cause to move by or as if by a sudden rough thrust; shake up roughly:

   The bus jolted its passengers as it went down the rocky road.

2. to knock sharply so as to dislodge:

   He jolted the nail free with a stone.

3. to stun with a blow, especially in boxing.
4. to shock emotionally or psychologically:

   His sudden death jolted us all.

5. to bring to a desired state sharply or abruptly:

   to jolt a person into awareness.

6. to make active or alert, as by using an abrupt, sharp, or rough manner:

   to jolt someone's memory.

7. to interfere with or intrude upon, especially in a rough or crude manner; interrupt disturbingly.

verb (used without object)

1. to move with a sharp jerk or a series of sharp jerks:

   The car jolted to a halt.

noun

1. a jolting shock, movement, or blow:

   The automobile gave a sudden jolt.

2. an emotional or psychological shock:

   The news of his arrest gave me quite a jolt.

3. something that causes such a shock:

   The news was a jolt to me.

4. a sudden, unexpected rejection or defeat:

   Their policy got a rude jolt from the widespread opposition.

5. Slang. a prison sentence.
6. Slang. an injection of a narcotic.
7. a bracing dose of something:

   a jolt of whiskey; a jolt of fresh air.

jolt

/ dʒəʊlt /

verb

1. to bump against with a jarring blow; jostle
2. to move in a jolting manner
3. to surprise or shock

noun

1. a sudden jar or blow
2. an emotional shock

Derived Forms

• ˈjoltingly, adverb
• ˈjolter, noun
• ˈjolty, adjective

Other Words From

• jolter noun
• jolting·ly adverb
• joltless adjective
• un·jolted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jolt¹

1590–1600; blend of jot to jolt and joll to bump, both now dial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jolt¹

C16: probably blend of dialect jot to jerk and dialect joll to bump

Example Sentences

“Sinatra brilliantly offered the jolt of emotional solidarity in performance whereas Carson specialized in dangling forth an emotional distraction … prompting improbable laughs at times when you thought you would never laugh again.”

From Los Angeles Times

As he got back to his feet and was helped off the field by a trainer, he held his left arm suspended in front of him, careful not to jolt it as headed toward the clubhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

And when the veteran Rams receiver returned to the lineup Thursday night after a four-game absence, the recently moribund offense anticipated a welcome jolt.

From Los Angeles Times

Receiver Cooper Kupp returns to action after sitting out four games because of an ankle injury, which could provide the Rams’ offense a much-needed jolt.

From Los Angeles Times

Jurado’s remarks at the Cal State L.A. meet-and-greet have delivered an unexpected jolt to the campaign for the 14th District, which takes in all or part of downtown, Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Eagle Rock.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bump
• punch
• reversal
• setback
• shock