Definition of "bolt" in English

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. (military, mechanical engineering) A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.

5. 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.

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

   • He had seen lightning bolts yesterday night.

7. A sudden event, action or emotion.

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

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

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

   • The horse made a bolt.

10. A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.

11. (US, politics) A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party.

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

13. A burst of speed or efficiency.

14. A stalk or scape (of garlic, onion, etc).

verb

1. (transitive) To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.

   • Bolt the vice to the bench.

2. (transitive, figurative) To affix in a crude or unnatural manner.

3. (transitive) To secure a door by locking or barring it.

   • Bolt the door.

4. (intransitive) To flee, to depart, to accelerate away suddenly.

   • Seeing the snake, the horse bolted.
   • The actor forgot his line and bolted from the stage.

5. (intransitive) To escape.

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

   • to bolt a rabbit

7. To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.

8. (intransitive, botany, of lettuce, spinach, garlic, onion, etc) To produce flower stalks and flowers or seeds quickly or prematurely; to form a bolt (stalk or scape); to go to seed.