thunderbolt -
A sudden flash of lightning with a loud crash of thunder, or an unexpected and dramatic event or piece of news.
When the president's announced that he wasn't going to run for re-election, it came as an unexpected thunderbolt to the public.
verb
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startle -
To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm
The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.
verb
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divulge -
To reveal something secret or private, to make known information that was previously hidden.
The company wouldn't divulge any details about the new product, and it would be top secret until it came out.
adjective
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unthinkable -
So out of the ordinary that it cannot be imagined as possible
When Genghis Khan was born in 1162, it was unthinkable that someone from his nomadic tribe could conquer most of the known world - but that is what he did.
adjective
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incredulous -
(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something
Even while the news interviewed him holding his giant check, Jake was still incredulous that he had won the lottery.
verb
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astound -
To cause others to be very surprised or shocked
The American public was astounded by the revelations about Watergate that were revealed by Woodward and Bernstein in the Washington Post.
adjective
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aghast -
Struck with shock, amazement, or horror
When the Stevens family returned home from their two week vacation, they were aghast to find that loads of stray cats were living in their house.
