jolt

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A long prison sentence.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Just sit down and look around for a while. Notice your cell, John. Take a good look at it, because it is going to be your home for the next ten years. Sure! You have just gotten a ten-year "jolt," John; so settle down and be a good prisoner.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A narcotic injection.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “jolt” mean?

A long prison sentence.

Is “jolt” formal or informal?

jolt is generally slang.