flashback

noun

flash·back | \ ˈflash-ˌbak

Definition of flashback

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)

2a : interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence also : an instance of flashback

b : a past incident recurring vividly in the mind

flash back

verb

Definition of flash back (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident —usually used with to flashed back to my childhood

2 : to employ a flashback (as in a film) —usually used with to

Examples of flashback in a Sentence

Noun

The character's childhood was described in a series of flashbacks. He's having flashbacks of his days in the war.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Repeated exposure to violence can also lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can have a host of symptoms like flashbacks, negative thoughts, hopelessness, trouble sleeping, and much more. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Parkland Students Share Mental Health Resources to Support Each Other," 25 Mar. 2019 Earlier this season, Frank Randall made a surprising return to Outlander, if only in flashbacks and Brianna's memories. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Outlander Sneak Peek: A Much-Beloved Character Makes a Return to the Series," 10 Jan. 2019 Playing in the Mecca and then refereeing there 30-some years later is sort of cool … a flashback. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Q&A: Ref D.J. Carstensen talks old Milwaukee, tough calls and cool memories," 10 Mar. 2018 Chilly yet intimate, tranquil yet nerve-wracking, Trier’s aesthetically sleek (and flashback-peppered) film refuses to posit easy answers about Thelma’s true nature, instead taking an ambiguous perspective on its volatile subject. — Nick Schager, Esquire, "The Best Movies of 2017," 18 Dec. 2017 James McAvoy McAvoy shared a bathroom mirror pic that gave us MySpace flashbacks, except his selfie was way cooler than our middle school snaps because a few celebrities autographed his white button-up shirt with a red sharpie. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Best Celebrity Instagrams from the 2019 Oscars," 24 Feb. 2019 Most of the action took place in the prison, with the exception of the show's traditional flashbacks. — refinery29.com, "Orange Is The New Black," 9 July 2018 One episode reveals how their visions operate, each experiencing something tied to flashbacks from the premiere. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Cloak & Dagger': TV Review," 24 May 2018 The numerous defensive breakdowns led to horrifying flashbacks from the regular season. — Chris Fedor, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers keep their composure, play like a true team in must-win Game 4: Chris Fedor," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flashback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.