thunderbolt Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Thun"der*bolt` noun
Definitions
  1. A shaft of lightning; a brilliant stream of electricity passing from one part of the heavens to another, or from the clouds to the earth.
  2. Something resembling lightning in suddenness and effectiveness.
    The Scipios' worth, those thunderbolts of war. Dryden.
  3. Vehement threatening or censure; especially, ecclesiastical denunciation; fulmination.
    He severely threatens such with the thunderbolt of excommunication. Hakewill.
  4. (Paleon.) A belemnite, or thunderstone.

Webster 1913