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bolt in

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To lock someone or something inside a place using a bolt, or to fit a part into something by bolting it.

Literal meaning: To fasten a bolt so that someone or something is inside.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To secure someone inside a place by sliding or fastening a bolt.

"They bolted him in the cell and posted a guard outside."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To fix a component or part into a structure or machine by means of bolts.

"The engine mount simply bolts in — no welding required."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Less common than 'bolt down'. Can describe securing a person inside a room (usually in a dramatic or narrative context) or fitting a mechanical component. Often used in technical or engineering contexts for the latter sense.

Commonly used with

component part prisoner door panel bracket

Forms

Base
bolt in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bolts in
he/she/it
Past simple
bolted in
yesterday
Past participle
bolted in
have + pp
-ing form
bolting in
continuous

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Synonyms

lock in secure inside fasten in fit in fix in place shut in

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