Bolt

1. A fastener consisting of a threaded pin or rod with a head at one end, designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and secured by a mated nut that is tightened by applying torque. He bolted the shelf securely to the wall.
2. A sliding metal bar that positions the cartridge in breechloading rifles, closes the breech, and ejects the spent cartridge. In the old army men were equipped with bolt action rifles.
3. To eat (food) hurriedly with little chewing. He bolted his food and left.
4. To start suddenly and run away. The horse bolted at the sound of the shot.
5. To break away from a political party or its policies. The senator bolted from the Democrats and joined the Republicans.
6. A thunderbolt; a flash of lightening. The bolt of lightening struck the tree.