flashback
FLASH-bak
Flashback (noun) means a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time. Example: “The movie uses a flashback to explain the character's past.”
noun
1
A scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time.
"The movie uses a flashback to explain the character's past."
2
A sudden, vivid memory of a past traumatic event that feels like it's happening again.
"Loud noises sometimes triggered flashbacks to his time in combat."
How to use flashback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA jump back to an earlier scene in a story, or a sudden vivid memory that feels like reliving the past.
Common pairings
have a flashback
trigger a flashback
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Word forms
- Plural
- flashbacks
- Third person singular
- flashbacks
- Past tense
- flashbacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The movie uses a _____ to explain the character's past.
Etymology
From flash + back.
Frequently asked questions
What does “flashback” mean?
The word “flashback” means a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time. In plain terms, a jump back to an earlier scene in a story, or a sudden vivid memory that feels like reliving the past.
How do you pronounce “flashback”?
“Flashback” is pronounced FLASH-bak (/ˈflæʃ.bæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “flashback” in a sentence?
Here is “flashback” used in a sentence: “The movie uses a flashback to explain the character's past.”
What part of speech is “flashback”?
“Flashback” is a noun.
Is “flashback” a common word?
“Flashback” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “flashback” have?
“Flashback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time.
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