jolting
Causing sudden shocks
Jolting describes sudden, jarring movements or impacts.
A jolting bus ride bounces passengers roughly.
A jolting realization strikes with abrupt force—unexpected and unsettling.
The word emphasizes the shock of sudden change, whether physical or emotional: The jolting news left her speechless.
Occurring without prior notice
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
- abruptSharp and unexpected
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
instantaneous · swift · rapid · precipitous · unforeseen · surprising · immediate · quick
Violent disturbance of order
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
interruption · dislocation · destabilizing · jarring · disconcerting · disorienting · derailing · upending
Slight collision or protrusion
- judderShake with jerky vibrations
- tremorInvoluntary rhythmic shaking
- quiverTrembling or arrow case
- shudderConvulsive trembling from fear
oscillation · rumble · tremble · shiver · pulsation · flutter · throb · jounce
Frighten suddenly
- stunDaze by force
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- blowMove air forcefully
- collisionForceful contact between objects
whiplash · concussion · trauma · astonish · amaze · flabbergast · bewilder · disconcert
Provoke into activity
- invigorateTo fill with energy
- animateGive life to
- galvanizeStimulate into action
- awakenRouse from slumber
enliven · arouse · electrify · activate · exhilarate · vitalize · kick-start · spark
sudden
Occurring without prior notice
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
- abruptSharp and unexpected
startling · instantaneous · swift · rapid · precipitous · unforeseen · surprising · immediate · quick · hasty
upheaval
Violent disturbance of order
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
disruption · interruption · dislocation · destabilizing · jarring · disconcerting · disorienting · derailing · upending · shattering
bump
Slight collision or protrusion
shudder · oscillation · rumble · tremble · shiver · pulsation · flutter · throb · jounce · bounce
startle
Frighten suddenly
collision · whiplash · concussion · trauma · astonish · amaze · flabbergast · bewilder · disconcert · unsettle
stimulate
Provoke into activity
- invigorateTo fill with energy
- animateGive life to
- galvanizeStimulate into action
awaken · enliven · arouse · electrify · activate · exhilarate · vitalize · kick-start · spark · rouse
- reflexesreflex, reflexes, reflex action, reflex response, quick reflexes
- violent forceimpact, collision, smash, crash, slam
- vehicle maneuverssteering, braking, accelerating, parking, reversing
joltingunsurprising
Causing no astonishment
unremarkable · expected · predictable · ordinary · mundane
- jolting awakeSudden sharp awakening