bolt

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; a heavy machine screw.

A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.

A 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.

militarymechanical engineeringA sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.

A 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.

A lightning spark, i.e., a lightning bolt.

A sudden event, action or emotion.

“The problem's solution struck him like a bolt from the blue.”

A large roll of fabric or similar material, as a bolt of cloth.

nauticalThe standard linear measurement of canvas for use at sea: 39 yards.

A sudden spring or start; a sudden leap aside.

“The horse made a bolt.”

A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.

USpoliticsA refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party.

An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter.

A burst of speed or efficiency.

To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.

“Bolt the vice to the bench.”

To secure a door by locking or barring it.

“Bolt the door.”

To flee, to depart, to accelerate suddenly.

“Seeing the snake, the horse bolted.”

“The actor forgot his line and bolted from the stage.”

To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge (an animal being hunted).

“to bolt a rabbit”

To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.

To escape.

botanyof lettucespinachgarliconionTo produce flower stalks and flowers or seeds quickly or prematurely; to form a bolt (stalk or scape); to go to seed.

“Lettuce and spinach will bolt as the weather warms up.”

To swallow food without chewing it.

To drink one's drink very quickly; to down a drink.

“Come on, everyone, bolt your drinks; I want to go to the next pub!”

USpoliticsTo refuse to support a nomination made by a party or caucus with which one has been connected; to break away from a party.

To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out.

To sift, especially through a cloth.

To sift the bran and germ from wheat flour.

“Graham flour is unbolted flour; in contrast, some other flours have been bolted.”

To separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means.

Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.

“The soldiers stood bolt upright for inspection.”

In a rigid manner

“the body was rigidly erect”

“he sat bolt upright”

Directly

“he ran bang into the pole”

“ran slap into her”