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Jolting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jolting

[ˈdʒoʊltɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sudden movement

To jolt means to push or shake something suddenly and violently. This can apply to physical movements or emotional responses, often resulting in surprise or discomfort.

Synonyms

jolt, push, shock, startle.

Examples of usage

  • The car jolted over the pothole.
  • She felt her heart jolt when she saw the unexpected visitor.
  • The sudden noise jolted him awake.
Context #2 | Adjective

abrupt action

Jolting, when used as an adjective, describes something that causes a sudden shock or surprise. It can refer to an experience or event that makes one feel disoriented or unsteady.

Synonyms

shocking, stunning, surprising.

Examples of usage

  • The jolting experience left her breathless.
  • His jolting words caught everyone off guard.
  • The jolting noise startled the audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The human body can react quickly to jolting motions, triggering the 'fight or flight' response due to adrenaline release.
  • Studies in neuroscience show that unexpected loud noises can cause startle reflexes which are linked to survival instincts.
  • In physics, a jolting movement can cause stress on the body or objects, often measured in g-forces during impacts.

Pop Culture

  • Many horror movies use jolting sounds and sudden movements to scare and surprise audiences.
  • The term 'jolt' is often found in video game design, referring to quick and unexpected challenges for players.
  • In music, a jolting beat or unexpected note can create excitement, energizing the listeners and encouraging movement.

Psychology

  • Jolting experiences can create strong memories, making them stand out in our minds due to their emotional impact.
  • People use the concept of jolting to describe sudden realizations or insights, often referred to as 'lightbulb moments'.
  • In therapy, discussing jolting life events can help individuals process trauma and develop coping strategies.

Literature

  • Authors often use jolting descriptions to convey surprise, creating tension and excitement in their storytelling.
  • In poetry, jolting language can evoke strong imagery and emotions, grabbing the reader’s attention instantly.
  • Classic literary works frequently depict jolting moments to illustrate a character's awakening or transformation.

Origin of 'jolting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jolt' comes from the late 17th century, originally meaning a sudden movement or shake.
  • It's believed to be related to old words for 'to shake' and 'to bump', showing its roots in physical sensations.
  • Jolting can be traced back to the idea of a jarring or sudden impact, often used in contexts of surprise.

The word 'jolt' originates from the Middle English term 'jolten,' which means to shake or to push. This, in turn, traces its roots to the Old Norse word 'jǫlt,' meaning to tumble or fall. The evolution of the word has consistently related to sudden movements and shocks. Over time, it has been adopted in various contexts in English, reflecting both physical and emotional jolts. The use of 'jolt' expanded into idiomatic expressions and found its way into everyday language as both a noun and verb. The adjective form, 'jolting,' further emphasizes the impact of such actions, becoming commonplace in literature and conversation to describe shock-inducing scenarios.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,512, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.