thunderbolt

/ˈθʌndərˌboʊlt/
noun
  1. A flash of lightning with a simultaneous crash of thunder.
    • A sudden thunderbolt split the sky during the storm.
    • The old oak tree was struck by a thunderbolt and split in two.
    • We saw a bright thunderbolt and heard the roar almost instantly.
  2. Something very sudden and surprising, like a shocking piece of news.
    • The unexpected thunderbolt of bad news ruined their celebration.
    • The news of his resignation came like a thunderbolt to the team.
    • Her announcement was a thunderbolt that left everyone speechless.