bolt

UK: bəʊlt | US: boʊlt

Definition

  1. n. 1. A metal pin or bar used to fasten objects together.

  2. n. 2. A sudden dash or escape.

  3. n. 3. A discharge of lightning; a thunderbolt.

  4. vt. 1. To fasten with a bolt.

  5. vi. 1. To move suddenly or swiftly.

Structure
bol <fasten/strike>
Etymology

The word "bolt" traces back to Old English bolt, meaning "arrow" or "missile," derived from Proto-Germanic bultaz (related to striking or fastening). Over time, it expanded to include:

  1. Fastening: From the idea of an arrow piercing or pinning something down (e.g., door bolts).
  2. Speed: From the swift motion of an arrow (e.g., "bolt away").
  3. Lightning: Metaphorically linking a thunderbolt to a sudden strike.
    The silent -t reflects historical inflection but no longer carries meaning.
Examples

  1. She slid the bolt across the door to lock it.

  2. The horse bolted when it heard the loud noise.

  3. A bolt of lightning split the sky during the storm.

  4. He bolted the shelves to the wall for stability.

  5. The thief bolted as soon as the alarm sounded.