thunderbolt
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈθəndɝˌbɔɫt// UK //θˈʌndəbˌəʊlt// thun·der·bolt
n. a flash of lightning and the loud sound of thunder that happen at the same time. It can also describe a sudden, shocking event that changes everything.
n. a single discharge of lightning with its accompanying crash of thunder. Often used figuratively to describe a sudden and overwhelming event or piece of news.
The old oak tree was split in half by a thunderbolt.
The news of the company's sudden closure hit the employees like a thunderbolt on a Monday morning.
In ancient mythology, the thunderbolt was often depicted as a physical weapon wielded by gods to demonstrate their absolute power over the natural and mortal worlds.
From thunder + bolt.