—n.
1 a loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash and due to the expansion of rapidly heated air.
2 a resounding loud deep noise (thunders of applause).
3 strong censure or denunciation.
—v.
1 intr. (prec. by it as subject) thunder sounds (it is thundering; if it thunders).
2 intr. make or proceed with a noise suggestive of thunder (the applause thundered in my ears; the traffic thundered past).
3 tr. utter or communicate (approval, disapproval, etc.) loudly or impressively.
4 intr. (foll. by against etc.) a make violent threats etc. against. b criticize violently.
Phrases and idioms:
steal a person's thunder spoil the effect of another's idea, action, etc. by expressing or doing it first. thunder-box colloq. a primitive lavatory.
Derivatives:
thunderer n. thunderless adj. thundery adj.
Etymology: OE thunor f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.