Bolting
/ˈboʊl.tɪŋ/noun
The act of fastening or securing with a bolt, or of suddenly running away.
Did you know?The verb behind *bolt* split into two major senses in English: one from Old English *bolt* meaning a short, heavy arrow, and another from the idea of a bar or pin locking something shut—both carrying the same hard, sudden energy.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
bolt
“A short, thick arrow or missile.”
Old English
OE
bolt
“A bar or pin used to fasten or secure something.”
Middle English
ME
bolten
“To fasten with a bolt; later, to dart away suddenly.”
14th Century
Middle English
bolting
“The act of fastening, securing, or suddenly rushing away.”
Modern English
English
bolting
“Fastening with a bolt, or sudden rapid departure.”