Thunderbolt

/ˈθʌndərˌboʊlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A flash of lightning accompanied by a thunderclap.

The sky lit up with a thunderbolt, signaling the arrival of the storm.

A sudden, powerful, and destructive force or event.

The news of his sudden resignation hit the company like a thunderbolt.

A supernatural force or symbol of divine retribution, often associated with the gods in mythology.

In Greek mythology, Zeus wielded the thunderbolt as a weapon against his enemies.

Middle English thonderbolte, from Old English þunor (thunder) + bolt (projectile).

thunderbolt from the blue

A sudden and unexpected occurrence.

a thunderbolt of inspiration

A sudden burst of creative idea or insight.

lightning

A natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage.

bolt

A sudden and powerful movement or attack.

An unexpected shock or surprise.

Getting that promotion was a real thunderbolt for me.

A sudden and impactful event.

The news of their breakup hit like a thunderbolt.