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.

Actress Tuppence Middleton says she has "woken up bolt upright in the middle of the night" since rehearsals began for her latest play.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2023

However, there is one person who will bolt upright with alarm whenever I sneeze and exclaim, “Well, excuse you!” or, “Why didn’t you give us some warning?!” making everyone stare at me further.

From Washington Post • Jun. 10, 2022

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

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2022

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 came awake, bolt upright, opening his eyes into total darkness.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill