Meaning

• 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.

• A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.

• 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.

• A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.

• A small personal-armour-piercing missile for short-range use, or (in common usage though deprecated by experts) a short arrow, intended to be shot from a crossbow or a catapult.

• A lightning spark, i.e., a lightning bolt.

• A sudden event, action or emotion.

  "The problem's solution struck him like a bolt from the blue."

• A large roll of fabric or similar material, as a bolt of cloth.

  "24 March 1774 - Newspaper: Stamford Mercury - "Mr. Cole, Basket-maker...has lost near 300 boults of rods" https//www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000254/17740324/001/0001"

• A sudden spring or start; a sudden leap aside.

  "The horse made a bolt."

• A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.

• A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party.

• An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter.

• A burst of speed or efficiency.

Meaning

• To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.

  "Bolt the vice to the bench."

• To secure a door by locking or barring it.

  "Bolt the door."

• To flee, to depart, to accelerate suddenly.

  "Seeing the snake, the horse bolted."

• To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge (an animal being hunted).

  "to bolt a rabbit"

• To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.

• To escape.

• Of a plant, to grow quickly; to go to seed.

  "Lettuce and spinach will bolt as the weather warms up."

• To swallow food without chewing it.

• To drink one's drink very quickly; to down a drink.

  "Come on, everyone, bolt your drinks; I want to go to the next pub!"

• To refuse to support a nomination made by a party or caucus with which one has been connected; to break away from a party.

• To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out.

Meaning

• Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.

  "The soldiers stood bolt upright for inspection."