Definition

1. Noun:
   • A single sharp crash of thunder: A sudden, loud, explosive sound produced by a lightning discharge during a thunderstorm.
   • A shocking surprise: An event or piece of news that is sudden, unexpected, and often alarming, arriving with the force and impact of a thunderclap.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A deafening thunderclap shook the windows of the house. (A single loud crash of thunder caused the windows to vibrate.)
  • The sudden resignation of the CEO was a thunderclap that stunned the entire industry. (The unexpected news had a shocking, disruptive impact.)

Advanced Usage

• "like a thunderclap": Used as a simile to describe something that happens with sudden, shocking force.
  • The verdict hit the courtroom like a thunderclap. (The announcement of the verdict was utterly shocking and sudden.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thunder (n): The loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash.
• Thunderous (adj): Extremely loud, resembling thunder.
  • The crowd gave a thunderous applause.
• Thunderclap headache (n): A medical term for a headache that is sudden, severe, and reaches maximum intensity within one minute.

Synonyms

• Bombshell: A shocking and surprising event or piece of news.
• Bolt from the blue: A complete surprise, something unexpected.

Related Phrases

• Out of the blue: Happening unexpectedly.
  • The job offer came completely out of the blue.

Noun

1. a shocking surprise
   • news of the attack came like a bombshell
2. a single sharp crash of thunder