thunderbolt

/'θʌndəboult/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "thunderbolt."

Definition:

A thunderbolt is a noun that can mean two main things: 1. Natural Phenomenon: It refers to a sudden flash of lightning that comes with a loud sound of thunder. It's like when you see a bright flash in the sky during a storm, followed by a loud boom. 2. Surprising News: It can also mean shocking or surprising news that catches people off guard, similar to the phrase "like a bombshell."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "thunderbolt" when talking about weather events involving lightning and thunder.
• Use it metaphorically for surprising news or announcements that have a big impact.

Examples:

1. Natural Phenomenon: "The sky lit up with a thunderbolt, and we could hear the thunder rumbling afterwards."
2. Surprising News: "When she announced her resignation, it felt like a thunderbolt to everyone in the meeting."

Advanced Usage:

In literature or poetry, "thunderbolt" can be used to symbolize sudden change or divine intervention. For example, a character might experience a "thunderbolt" moment when they receive unexpected news that changes their life.

Word Variants:

• Thunder (noun/verb): The sound that follows a lightning flash.
• Bolt (noun): A term for something that moves quickly or strikes suddenly, like lightning.

Different Meanings:

• In mythology, a "thunderbolt" often represents a powerful weapon used by gods (like Zeus in Greek mythology).
• In everyday language, it can also describe any sudden and impactful event, not just those related to weather.

Synonyms:

• For the natural phenomenon: lightning strike, flash of lightning.
• For surprising news: shock, surprise, revelation.

Idioms:

While there may not be a specific idiom that uses "thunderbolt," you might hear phrases like "like a bolt from the blue," which means something unexpected happens suddenly.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common phrasal verbs specifically associated with "thunderbolt," but you might use expressions like "hit someone like a ton of bricks" to convey a similar feeling of surprise.

Summary:

"Thunderbolt" can refer to a dramatic natural event or shocking news. It's a versatile word that can add vivid imagery or emotional weight to your writing or conversation.

Academic

Noun

1. a shocking surprise
   • news of the attack came like a bombshell
2. a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

Synonyms

• bombshell
• thunderclap
• bolt
• bolt of lightning