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jolt (v.)
1590s (transitive), perhaps from Middle English jollen, chollen "to knock, to batter" (early 15c.), or an alteration of obsolete jot (v.) "to jostle" (1520s). Perhaps related to earlier jolt head "a big, stupid head" (1530s). Intransitive sense from 1703. Figurative sense of "to startle, surprise" is from 1872. Related: Jolted; jolting.
jolt (n.)
1590s, "a knock," from jolt (v.). Meaning "a jarring shock" is from 1630s.
updated on February 10, 2016
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Definitions of jolt from WordNet
Dictionary entries near jolt
jolliness
jollity
jolly
Jolly Roger
jolly-boat
jolt
jolt-head
jolting
Jonah
Jonas
Jonathan