thunderbolt

[ˈθʌndərboʊlt]
nounpl: thunderbolts
raio
1. a flash of lightning accompanied by a loud crash of thunder, often depicted as a bolt or shaft
The thunderbolt struck the tree during the storm.
O raio atingiu a árvore durante a tempestade.
2. something that happens suddenly and with great force or impact; a sudden shock or surprise
The news of his resignation was a thunderbolt to the company.
A notícia de sua renúncia foi um raio para a empresa.
3. in mythology, a weapon wielded by Zeus or Jupiter, typically depicted as a powerful bolt of divine power
Zeus hurled his thunderbolt at the giants.
Zeus lançou seu raio contra os gigantes.
4. a person or thing that moves or acts with great speed and force
He ran like a thunderbolt across the field.
Ele correu como um raio pelo campo.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'thunderbolt' is commonly used metaphorically to describe sudden, shocking news or events. In mythology references, it maintains classical meaning as Zeus's divine weapon. The term is often used in literature, comic books, and popular culture to convey both literal natural phenomena and figurative sudden impacts.
NYC Slang
bolt from the blue (figurative usage); lightning (literal usage)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
lightning boltboltflashshockbombshell
Antonyms / Antônimos
calmpeacestillness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
raio
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
raio
Same as standard usage
São Paulo
raio
Same as standard usage; sometimes 'descarga elétrica' for electrical discharge
Portugal
raio
Same translation; 'trovão' refers to thunder specifically

Related Words

thunderlightningstormelectricitydivine weaponZeustempest

Related Idioms & Phrases

bolt from the blue
like a thunderbolt
strike like a thunderbolt
quick as a thunderbolt
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →