Jolt

/dʒoʊlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sudden, sharp move or shock.

He felt a jolt when the roller coaster started its steep drop.

A sudden impact or shock, often resulting in a quick reaction.

The news of the accident was a jolt to everyone in the community.

verb

To move or cause to move with a sudden jerky motion.

The truck jolted as it hit a pothole.

To surprise or startle someone suddenly.

The loud noise jolted her awake.

Middle English jolten, of uncertain origin

jolt of electricity

a sudden and powerful surge of electric current

jolt you awake

to suddenly wake someone up or alert them

jolt back to reality

to suddenly realize the truth about a situation

jolting

causing a sudden shock or movement

jolter

one who jolts

joltiness

the quality of being jolt or jerky

a sudden burst of energy

I need a jolt of caffeine to get through the day.

a surprising upgrade or improvement

That new phone is a real jolt from the last model.