A flash of lightning, or a sudden surprising event that shocks or stuns people.
From 'thunder' (the sound of lightning) plus 'bolt' (something that shoots through). In ancient mythology, thunderbolts were seen as weapons hurled by gods, especially Zeus.
In Greek mythology, Zeus's thunderbolt (called a 'keraunos') was his most powerful weapon, so important that it appears on coins, government seals, and even the logo of some military units today!
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