bolt upright

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But four younger colleagues from Toulouse froze, bolt upright.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2022

I sat bolt upright, moving my lips with nothing coming out.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2022

I have watched Holmes sit bolt upright at the defense table as her lawyers slowly wilt.

From The Verge • Dec. 9, 2021

Typically bolt upright in her chair and staring straight ahead, Holmes has remained impassive as even one-time supporters testified to their misgivings about her actions while leading Theranos.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2021

He sat bolt upright, for his voice rang out above me in the blackness, loud.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin