jolt
Use the word “jolt” to describe a sudden, quick movement.
- When the train came to a sudden stop, the passengers jolted forward.
- The sound of gunfire sent a jolt through the neighborhood. (People were surprised.)
- I could feel small jolts of movement beneath my feet during the earthquake.
- The crisis jolted lawmakers into taking legislative action.
- The announcement of their divorce jolted everyone in the family. (jolt = shock)
We also use the word “jolt” when describing electricity:
- John could feel a jolt of electricity from the wire when he touched it with his finger.
- Jolts of lightning in the distance mean that a storm is coming this way.
- Once jolted with electric current, Frankenstein came to life.
A jolt of lightning hit the power line.