Word Explorer

Bolt

/bɒlt/

A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Bolt"

noun

1
A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.
2
A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.
3
A bar of wood or metal dropped in horizontal hooks on a door and adjoining wall or between the two sides of a double door, to prevent the door(s) from being forced open.
4
A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.

verb

1
To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.
"Bolt the vice to the bench."
2
To secure a door by locking or barring it.
"Bolt the door."
3
To flee, to depart, to accelerate suddenly.
"Seeing the snake, the horse bolted."
4
To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge (an animal being hunted).
"to bolt a rabbit"

adverb

1
Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.
"The soldiers stood bolt upright for inspection."

🔄 Synonyms of "Bolt"

18 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
bangnoun	A sudden percussive noise.
dashnoun	(intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.
abscondverb	(intransitive) To flee, often secretly; to steal away.
slapdashverb	Produced or carried out hastily; haphazard; careless.
absquatulateverb	(intransitive, slang) To leave quickly or in a hurry; to depart, flee.
gobbleverb	To eat hastily or greedily; to scoff or scarf (often used with up)
rigidly	In a rigid manner; stiffly.
slapnoun	(countable) A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.
run outverb	(intransitive, transitive, idiomatic) To use up or consume all [with of ‘something’ (optional)]
go offverb	(intransitive) To explode.
stiffly	In a stiff manner.
run offverb	To flee or depart quickly.
deadboltnoun	A kind of lock in which the bolt (moving portion) is held in position by the cylinder rather than by a spring and so cannot be retracted except by turning the cylinder.
bolt of lightningnoun	a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
bolt outverb	leave suddenly and as if in a hurry
decampnoun	(intransitive) To break up camp and move on.
smacknoun	A distinct flavor, especially if slight.
thunderboltnoun	A flash of lightning accompanied by a crash of thunder.

↔️ Antonyms of "Bolt"

Words with the opposite meaning.

Word	Definition
unboltverb	(transitive) To unlock by undoing the bolts of.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Bolt"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
deadboltnoun	A kind of lock in which the bolt (moving portion) is held in position by the cylinder rather than by a spring and so cannot be retracted except by turning the cylinder.
thunderboltnoun	A flash of lightning accompanied by a crash of thunder.
run outnoun	Alternative spelling of runout. [Something that has been run out.]
slapnoun	(countable) A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.
smacknoun	A distinct flavor, especially if slight.
bangnoun	A sudden percussive noise.
gobblenoun	The sound of a turkey; or, a similar vocalisation of another bird.
go offverb	(intransitive) To explode.
absquatulateverb	(intransitive, slang) To leave quickly or in a hurry; to depart, flee.
run offverb	To flee or depart quickly.
decampnoun	A surname
abscondverb	(intransitive) To flee, often secretly; to steal away.
slapdashverb	Produced or carried out hastily; haphazard; careless.
dashnoun	A short run, flight.
stiffly	In a stiff manner.
rigidly	In a rigid manner; stiffly.
bolt of lightningnoun	a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
bolt outverb	leave suddenly and as if in a hurry
screwnoun	A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a partially or completely threaded shank, sometimes with a threaded point, and a head used to both hold the top material and to drive the screw either directly into a soft material or into a prepared hole.
locknoun	Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.