A jolt is a sudden, sharp shock or surprise that makes you jump or shakes you up. When your school bus hits a pothole, you feel a physical jolt as your body jerks in the seat. When you touch a doorknob and get a static electricity shock, that quick zap is a jolt.

The word also describes emotional or mental shocks. Getting unexpectedly called on in class when you weren't paying attention gives you a jolt of panic. Learning that your best friend is moving away might jolt you into realizing how much their friendship means to you. Sometimes people need a jolt of motivation to finally start that big project they've been putting off.

You can also use jolt as a verb: a loud alarm clock jolts you awake in the morning, or surprising news jolts someone into action. The word captures that quality of suddenness and force, whether it's physical movement, emotional reaction, or a burst of energy. A jolt catches you off guard and demands an immediate response.