Word: bolt (verb and noun)

Associations

"Bolt" can mean to move suddenly or quickly, or it can refer to a metal fastener.

• As a verb: "He bolted out of the room." This means he ran out quickly.
• As a noun: "I need a bolt to fix this chair." This refers to a metal piece used to hold things together.
• In another context: "The horse bolted when it saw the snake." Here, it means the horse ran away suddenly.

A well-known synonym for "bolt" as a verb is "dash." The difference is that "dash" often implies a shorter, quicker run, while "bolt" suggests a more intense or sudden movement.

Substitution

You can use words like "run," "sprint," or "race" instead of "bolt" when talking about moving quickly.

• Using "run" is more general and can refer to any speed.
• "Sprint" implies running at full speed over a short distance.
• "Race" suggests competition while running.

Deconstruction

The word "bolt" comes from the Old English word "bolt," which means "a dart or arrow."

• There is no prefix, but the suffix is the letter "t," which is common in many English verbs and nouns.
• The meaning evolved from something that moves quickly (like an arrow) to describe sudden movement in general.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you "bolted" from a situation? What caused you to move so quickly?
• How would you describe a moment when something surprised you and made you "bolt"?
• In what other situations can you use "bolt" as a noun?