Definition of the word bolt

The word "bolt" has a fascinating history! According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb "bolt" originated from the Old English word "boltian," which means "to fasten" or "to secure." This is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*baltiz," which is also the source of the Modern German word "böllen," meaning "to bolt" or "to lock." The word "bolt" initially referred to the act of fastening something, such as a door or a lock. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of sudden movement or escape, such as a horse bolting away or a person bursting out of a building. This sense of suddenness and energy likely arose from the idea of something being suddenly released or unleashed. Today, the word "bolt" has many uses, including in phrases like "bolt of lightning" and "bolt of cloth," as well as in actions like bolting food or bolting out of a room. Its origins may be ancient, but its versatility and multiple meanings have made it a staple of modern English language.