First Known Use: 1596
Dictionary
1jolt
verb \ˈjōlt\
: to cause (something or someone) to move in a quick and sudden way
: to move with a quick and sudden motion
: to surprise or shock (someone)
Full 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
See jolt defined for English-language learners
See jolt defined for kids
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Origin of JOLT
probably blend of obsolete joll to strike and jot to bump
Related to JOLT
2jolt
noun
: a sudden, rough movement
: a sudden shock or surprise
: a small but powerful amount of something
Full Definition 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
See jolt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of JOLT
1599
JOLT Defined for Kids
1jolt
verb \ˈjōlt\
jolt·edjolt·ing
Definition of JOLT for Kids
1
: to move or cause to move with a sudden jerky motion <The train jolted to a stop.>
2
: to cause to be upset <The bad news jolted us.>
2jolt
noun
Definition of JOLT for Kids
1
: an abrupt jerky and usually powerful blow or movement
2
: a sudden shock or surprise <Lincoln Elementary needed a good jolt once in a while … — Andrew Clements, Frindle>
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