SportsAugust 16, 2026

thunderbolt

THUN-der-bohlt

Definition

A sudden, powerful, and impressive strike, specifically referring to a very hard and fast shot in soccer.

Etymology

Derived from Old English, combining 'thunder' and 'bolt' (meaning a shaft or arrow), it originally referred to a lightning strike hitting the ground, before evolving to describe any sudden, forceful impact.

In the news

The word describes the intense long-distance shot by Sergio Martinez that scored a goal for Racing Santander. It highlights the power and suddenness of the strike that caught the opposition off guard.

Villarreal battle back to earn draw at promoted Racing

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RFI

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