jolt

A jolt is a sudden shock or sharp movement that hits you fast. You might feel a jolt when a car stops suddenly, when a train bumps along the track, or when static electricity snaps at your hand. It can also be emotional or mental. Bad news can give you a jolt, and a sudden idea can give you a jolt of energy or clarity. As a verb, it means to shake, shock, or push someone or something suddenly.

The word "jolt" describes a sudden, forceful shock, shake, or surprise. It can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it often refers to the quick movement you feel when a car brakes hard, a bus hits a rough patch, or a machine jerks without warning. "The wagon gave a violent jolt as it hit the pothole."

It is also common in less physical situations. A strong cup of coffee might give you a jolt of energy. Bad news can cause an emotional jolt. A surprise twist in a story can give the reader a jolt. In these cases, the word suggests something sudden that breaks your normal flow and makes you react at once.

As a verb, "jolt" means to shake or shock suddenly. A pothole can jolt the passengers in a car. A loud alarm can jolt someone awake. News, memories, or a sudden sight can jolt a person into action, fear, or recognition. The idea is the same each time: something sudden hits with enough force to disturb, wake, or shift someone or something.

So whether it is a physical bump, an emotional shock, or a quick burst of energy, "jolt" is about sudden impact. It is the kind of moment that makes the body, mind, or feelings jump out of their usual state.