thunderstroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Historical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “thunderstroke” mean?
A single, violent, destructive stroke of lightning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, violent, destructive stroke of lightning.
A sudden, severe, and catastrophic event or impact, likened to a literal lightning strike.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning; equally rare in both modern dialects.
Connotations
Carries an archaic, dramatic, or poetic tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary usage, slightly more likely to be encountered in historical or literary British contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thunderstroke” in a Sentence
The thunderstroke [verb] (struck/hit/fell) [location/person].[Person/Event] was a thunderstroke [to/for] [recipient].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thunderstroke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The news thunderstroked the community with its brutality.
American English
- He felt thunderstroked by the sudden accusation.
adverb
British English
- The verdict came thunderstroke upon them.
American English
- The market fell thunderstroke fast.
adjective
British English
- He delivered a thunderstroke announcement.
American English
- They suffered a thunderstroke loss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The market crash was a financial thunderstroke for investors.'
Academic
Historical/Literary analysis: 'The poet uses the image of a thunderstroke to symbolize divine wrath.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Meteorology: 'Thunderstroke' is an obsolete term; 'lightning strike' or 'cloud-to-ground discharge' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thunderstroke”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thunderstroke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thunderstroke”
- Using it to mean just 'loud thunder' (correct: thunderclap).
- Using it in modern technical or everyday contexts where 'lightning strike' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Thunderbolt' is more common and can also refer to the mythical weapon of gods. 'Thunderstroke' emphasises the action of striking.
Only if you are aiming for a deliberately archaic, literary, or highly figurative tone. Otherwise, 'lightning strike' or 'bolt of lightning' is preferable.
'Lightning' is the general phenomenon of electrical discharge. A 'thunderstroke' is one specific, striking instance of it—the actual hit.
It is primarily a noun. Using it as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'thunderstroked') is a rare, poetic, and creative extension, not standard usage.
A single, violent, destructive stroke of lightning.
Thunderstroke is usually literary, historical, figurative in register.
Thunderstroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθʌndəstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθʌndɚstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a thunderstroke from a clear sky (meaning: a complete and sudden surprise).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of THUNDER (the loud sound) + STROKE (a hit or blow). A thunderstroke is the hit that comes with the thunder.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUDDEN DISASTER IS A LIGHTNING STRIKE / FATE IS A STORM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'thunderstroke' most appropriately used today?