jolts
/dʒoʊlts/
NOUN
1. Sudden rough movements or shocks
Abrupt, forceful movements or impacts that cause something to shake, jerk, or move suddenly.
1.1. Abrupt physical movements or impacts
Sudden, forceful movements, bumps, or shaking sensations, often caused by an uneven surface, collision, or mechanical disturbance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- smooth movements
- steady motions
- glides
Examples
- The jolts from the uneven road made the passengers uncomfortable.
- Several strong jolts shook the building during the earthquake.
Related Words
1.2. Unexpected surprises or shocks
Sudden and surprising events or experiences that cause emotional disturbance, alarm, or astonishment.
Synonyms
- shocks
- surprises
- bombshells
- stunners
- eye-openers
- revelations
Antonyms
- reassurances
- comforts
- assurances
Examples
- The unexpected jolts in the stock market unsettled investors.
- The sudden announcements came as major jolts to the organization.
Related Words
- astonishments
- alarms
- disappointments
- upheavals
VERB
2. Abrupt physical or emotional disturbance
To push, shake, or knock something suddenly and roughly, or to cause someone to experience a sudden emotional shock.
2.1. To shake or move abruptly
To cause something or someone to move suddenly and roughly, often through a series of sharp jerks or impacts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- steadies
- smooths
- stabilizes
Examples
- The rough terrain jolts the vehicle as it travels downhill.
- The sudden impact jolts the door in its frame.
Related Words
2.2. To shock or surprise emotionally
To cause someone to feel sudden alarm, astonishment, distress, or emotional disturbance.
Synonyms
- shocks
- startles
- stuns
- astonishes
- alarms
- disconcerts
- dismays
- unnerves
Antonyms
Examples
- The sudden news jolts the entire community.
- The revelation jolts her out of her sense of security.
Related Words
- surprises
- appalls
- disturbs
- overwhelms
2.3. To awaken someone or prompt action through shock
To shock someone into becoming alert, recognizing a situation, or taking necessary action.
Synonyms
- rouses
- awakens
- arouses
- startles
- alerts
- galvanizes
Antonyms
- lulls
- soothes
- reassures
Examples
- The financial crisis jolts the company into reviewing its spending.
- The warning jolts the team into taking immediate action.
Related Words
- motivates
- spurs
- stimulates
- energizes