bolt

/boʊlt/
adverb
  1. In a stiff, upright, or rigid position, often used in the phrase 'bolt upright'.
    • The dog stood bolt upright, ears alert.
    • She sat bolt upright when she heard the strange noise.
    • He was bolt upright in his chair, wide awake.
verb
  1. To run away or escape suddenly and quickly.
    • The prisoner tried to bolt from the guards.
    • The rabbit bolted when it heard the noise.
    • He bolted out the door as soon as the bell rang.
  2. To fasten or secure something with a bolt.
    • The worker bolted the metal frame to the floor.
    • Make sure to bolt the cabinet to the wall for safety.
    • She bolted the door before going to bed.
  3. To eat very quickly, without chewing properly.
    • Don't bolt your food; it's bad for digestion.
    • She bolted down a sandwich between meetings.
    • He bolted his breakfast and ran to catch the bus.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A metal fastener with a threaded shaft and a head, used with a nut to hold things together.
    • The mechanic replaced the rusty bolt on the car's engine.
    • She used a bolt and nut to attach the handle to the drawer.
    • He tightened the bolt with a wrench to secure the shelf.
  2. A sudden, fast movement or dash, especially to escape or run away.
    • The horse made a bolt for the open gate.
    • When the fire alarm rang, everyone made a bolt for the exit.
    • The cat made a sudden bolt under the sofa.
  3. A flash of lightning, especially one that appears as a bright, jagged line in the sky.
    • We saw a single bolt flash over the mountains.
    • The storm brought thunder and a brilliant bolt.
    • A bright bolt of lightning split the dark sky.
  4. A roll of cloth or fabric of a standard length.
    • The tailor ordered a bolt of silk for the wedding dress.
    • She unrolled a bolt of blue fabric across the table.
    • The store sells bolts of cotton in various colors.
Synonyms
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