I. ˈjōlt verb
Etymology: probably blend of obsolete joll to strike and jot to bump
Date: 1596
transitive verb
1. : to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
2. : to give a knock or blow to ; specifically : to jar with a quick or hard blow
3.
a. : to disturb the composure of : shock
crudely jolt ed out of that mood — Virginia Woolf
b. : to interfere with roughly, abruptly, and disconcertingly
determination to pursue his own course was jolt ed badly — F. L. Paxson
intransitive verb
: to move with a sudden jerky motion
• jolt·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1599
1. : an abrupt sharp jerky blow or movement
2.
a.
(1) : a sudden feeling of shock, surprise, or disappointment
(2) : an event or development causing such a feeling
the defeat was quite a jolt
b. : a serious check or reverse
a severe financial jolt
3. : a small potent or bracing portion
a jolt of horseradish
• jolty ˈjōl-tē adjective