Thunder

n. [A-S. thunor, thŭnder, O. Sax. thunar, O. Fries. thuner, tonger, D. donder, Icel. dunr, dina, thruma, Sw. dunder, thordön, Dan. torden, O. H. Ger. donar, M. H. Ger. doner, diner, donre, dunre, N. H. Ger. donner, Prov. & O. Ger. dunner, dunder, donder, Per. tundur, W. & Corn. taran, Ir. toran, toirneach, Gael. torrunn, toireann, Lat. tonitru.]

1Sense 1. The sound which follows a flash of lightning; the report of a discharge of atmospheric electricity.

2Sense 2. Hence, the operation of a thunder-storm in which there is a discharge of electricity; a thunder-bolt. [Obs.]

The revenging gods 'Gainst parricides all the thunder bend. Shak.

3Sense 3. Any loud noise; as, the thunder of cannon.

4Sense 4. An alarming or startling threat or denunciation.

The thunders of the Vatican could no longer strike terror into the heart of princes, as in the days of the Crusades. Prescott.

[imp. & p. p. THUNDERED; p. pr. & vb. n. THUNDERING.] [A-S. thunorian, thun'rian, thunjan, Sw. dundra, Dan. dundre, O. H. Ger. donarōn, M. H. Ger. donren, dunren, N. H. Ger. donmern, O. & Prov. Ger. dondern.]

1Sense 1. To sound, rattle, or roar, as an explosion of electricity.

Canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Job xl. 9.

2Sense 2. To make a loud noise, especially a heavy sound, of some continuance.

His dreadful voice no more Would thunder in my ears. Milton.

Roll the thundering chariot o'er the ground. J. Trumbull.

v. t. To emit with noise and terror; to publish, as a threat or denunciation.

Oracles severe Were daily thundered in our general's ear. Dryden.

An archdeacon, as being a prelate, may thunder out an ecclesiastical censure. Ayliffe.