jolt meaning and examples

2025-08-27

Meaning

Jolt has both verb and noun forms.

  • As a verb, it means to suddenly push, shake, or move someone or something abruptly and roughly. It can also mean to shock someone emotionally or mentally.
  • As a noun, it refers to a sudden movement, shock, or surprise.

Grammar and Usage

  • Verb (transitive/intransitive):

    • to jolt someone/something → cause a sudden movement or shock.
    • to jolt → move suddenly and roughly.

  • Noun:

    • a jolt of sth → a sudden shock, surprise, or burst (e.g., a jolt of energy).

Sentence structures:

  • "The bus jolted forward." (intransitive)
  • "The news jolted her into action." (transitive)
  • "He felt a jolt of electricity." (noun)

Common Phrases

  • a jolt of electricity
  • a jolt of energy
  • a jolt of surprise
  • jolt into action
  • give someone a jolt

Collocations

  • Verb + jolt: feel, give, cause, deliver
  • Noun + jolt: sudden jolt, sharp jolt, unexpected jolt
  • Adjective + jolt: powerful jolt, violent jolt, emotional jolt

Examples

  1. The car jolted when it hit the pothole.
  2. The sudden noise jolted him awake.
  3. The earthquake gave the building a violent jolt.
  4. She felt a jolt of excitement before stepping on stage.
  5. The shocking news jolted the community.
  6. His words gave me a jolt of confidence.
  7. The train jolted to a stop.
  8. The medicine gave her a jolt of energy.
  • Verb: shake, jar, shock, startle, bump
  • Noun: shock, bump, jerk, thud, impact