noun
Freq #14154
Meanings
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1
noun
a single sudden, loud crash of thunder, especially from a nearby lightning strike
A thunderclap shook the windows and sent everyone running indoors.
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2
noun
a sudden event or announcement that causes great shock or surprise
News of the resignation came as a thunderclap to the cabinet.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Word family
Etymology
A compound of thunder + clap, using clap in its sense of a sudden sharp sound. The figurative sense compares a shocking event or announcement to an abrupt crash of thunder.