Bolt and Startle

Bolt

Bolt verb - To move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise).
Usage example: I bolted as I read the winning lottery numbers

Startle is a synonym for bolt in action topic. In some cases you can use "Startle" instead the word "Bolt" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like move, run quickly away.

Nearby Words: bolted, bolter, bolting

Startle

Startle verb - To move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise).
Usage example: the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

Bolt is a synonym for startle in move topic. Sometimes you can use "Bolt" instead the word "Startle" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as frighten.

Nearby Words: startling, startled, startler

Common collocations

dog bolt dog startle dog
Cite this Source
Startle and Bolt. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/bolt/startle
Bolt & Startle. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/bolt/startle>.
Startle or Bolt. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/bolt/startle.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "bolt" and "startle" have occurred on timeline