Flash

/flæʃ/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To cause to shine briefly or intermittently..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To cause to shine briefly or intermittently.
2. (intransitive) To blink; to shine or illuminate intermittently.
3. (intransitive) To be visible briefly.
4. (transitive) To make visible briefly.
5. (ambitransitive, informal) To expose one's intimate body part or undergarment, often momentarily and unintentionally. (Contrast streak.)
6. (figurative) To break forth like a sudden flood of light; to show a momentary brilliance.
7. To flaunt; to display in a showy manner.
8. To communicate quickly.

Example Sentences

He flashed the light at the water, trying to see what made the noise.

The light flashed on and off.

Eugenie's quick apprehensions seized the foul thought. Her eyes flashed—her cheek crimsoned.

Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume; she saw the tufted lilacs sway in the wind, and the streamers of mauve-tinted wistaria swinging, all a-glisten with golden bees; she saw a crimson cardinal winging through the foliage, and amorous tanagers flashing like scarlet flames athwart the pines.

The scenery flashed by quickly.

Here, in the transept and choir, where the service was being held, one was conscious every moment of an increasing brightness; colours glowing vividly beneath the circular chandeliers, and the rows of small lights on the choristers' desks flashed and sparkled in front of the boys' faces, deep linen collars, and red neckbands.

A number will be flashed on the screen.

The special agents flashed their badges as they entered the building.

Synonyms for flash

Antonyms for flash

Related Words

Word Forms

• flashes
• flashing
• flashed
• more flash
• most flash

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions