noun
He had only three bolts remaining for the crossbow
We hoped that the bolt would prevent their opening the door
Bolts can be tightened or removed, unlike rivets
We sell only full bolts of fabric
One bolt travelled down the television aerial and blew out the set
The news of her resignation came like a bolt from the blue
He was fast early in the marathon, but he'd shot his bolt long before the finishing line
verb
The youths bolted as soon as they saw the police. The couple in room 315 bolted without paying their bill
When the bell rang, she bolted her breakfast and ran out of the back door
Make sure you bolt your door at night and don't let anyone in
The motor must be securely bolted to the workbench
adverb
When her name was called, Penny sat bolt upright in her chair
US