thunderbolt Definition
- 1a flash of lightning with a simultaneous crash of thunder
- 2a sudden and unexpected event that has a powerful effect
Using thunderbolt: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thunderbolt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sky was filled with thunderbolts during the storm.
Example
The announcement of the new policy was a thunderbolt for the employees.
Example
The sudden resignation of the CEO was a thunderbolt for the company's board.
thunderbolt Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with thunderbolt
to suddenly and unexpectedly criticize or attack someone or something
Example
The president threw a thunderbolt at his opponent during the debate.
thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening
a line from the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen, used to describe a situation that is both exciting and scary
Example
The rollercoaster ride was like thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening.
a sudden and unexpected event that is shocking or surprising
Example
The news of her father's death was a thunderbolt from the blue.
Origins of thunderbolt
from Middle English 'thunder-bolt', from Old English 'þunorblāc'
Summary: thunderbolt in Brief
A 'thunderbolt' [ˈθʌndərbəʊlt] is a flash of lightning accompanied by a loud noise, or a sudden and powerful event. It can refer to natural phenomena like 'The sky was filled with thunderbolts during the storm,' or to unexpected events like 'The announcement of the new policy was a thunderbolt for the employees.' The phrase 'throw a thunderbolt' means to suddenly criticize or attack someone or something.
