All Definitions for Bolt
Below are all the dictionary definitions of bolt:
1A (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
2A heavy machine screw.
3A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.
4A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.
5A lightning spark, i.e., a lightning bolt.
6A sudden event, action or emotion.
7To flee, to depart, to accelerate away suddenly.
8A 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.
9To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.
10To secure a door by locking or barring it.
11To produce flower stalks and flowers or seeds quickly or prematurely
12To form a bolt (stalk or scape)
13To go to seed.
14An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner
15A shackle
16A fetter.
17A sudden spring or start
18A sudden leap aside.
19A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.
20A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected
21A breaking away from one's party.
22To refuse to support a nomination made by a party or caucus with which one has been connected
23To break away from a party.
24To drink one's drink very quickly
25To down a drink.
26To swallow food without chewing it.
27To cause to start or spring forth
28To dislodge (an animal being hunted).
29To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.
30To utter precipitately
31To blurt or throw out.
32A 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.
33A large roll of fabric or similar material, as a bolt of cloth.
34The standard linear measurement of canvas for use at sea: 39 yards.
35A stalk or scape (of garlic, onion, etc).
36To separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means.
37To sift the bran and germ from wheat flour.
38To sift, especially through a cloth.
39Suddenly
40Straight
41Unbendingly.
42To escape.
43A burst of speed or efficiency.
44To affix in a crude or unnatural manner.
45A sieve, especially a long fine sieve used in milling for bolting flour and meal
46A bolter.
47To discuss or argue privately, and for practice, as cases at law.
48A surname transferred from the nickname.
49A census-designated place in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States, named after an early postmaster.
50An unincorporated community in the town of Franklin, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, United States.
About antonyms for bolt
Finding the right antonym for bolt helps writers create contrast, clarify meaning, and add depth to their work. Defined as "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", bolt has 1 opposite words that can be used to express contrasting ideas.
Each antonym carries a slightly different shade of opposition. Unbolt is the most direct opposite in most situations.
When choosing an antonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal antonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual antonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all antonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best opposite word. The list above provides the most common and useful antonyms for bolt, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.