bolt
noun
a movable bar or rod that when slid into a socket fastens a door, gate, etc.
had bolted
-
past perfectof bolt.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In that time, it spread from Guinea, to Sierra Leone to Liberia, three different countries quickly. The horse had bolted, the fire was raging," he said, adding many health workers were among the victims.
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026
"There was apparently a special budget to compensate them for any cattle that had bolted or worse."
From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2025
Minutes earlier, the last of the nearly 1,000 residents had bolted, some in shirts singed by flames.
From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2023
Richard had bolted around a corner and was gone, the report said.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 28, 2019
But her ruddyfaced companion had bolted out of harm’s way behind the helicopter.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
