thun·der·bolt 
/ˈθʌndɚˌboʊlt/ noun
plural thun·der·bolts /ˈθʌndɚˌboʊlt/ noun [count] : a flash of lightning that makes a loud sound of thunder and that hits someone or something
▪ He was struck dead by a thunderbolt. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The news hit them like a thunderbolt. [=the news was very shocking or surprising]
▪ He was struck dead by a thunderbolt. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The news hit them like a thunderbolt. [=the news was very shocking or surprising]
