Meaning

(authorship) A dramatic device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological flow of a narrative..

Definitions by Sense

1. (authorship) A dramatic device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological flow of a narrative.
2. (psychology) A vivid mental image of a past trauma or other sensation that the trauma is happening in the present, especially one that recurs.
3. Something that evokes old memories; a throwback.
4. A similar recurrence of the effects of a hallucinogenic drug.
5. The condition of the flame propagating down the hose of an oxy-fuel welding system.
6. (databases) A query that operates against data from an earlier time, before it was changed.
7. (intransitive) To undergo a flashback; to experience a vivid mental image from the past.

Example Sentences

We danced fast to Martha and the Vandellas, Supremes or even the Beach Boys. Slow to Dusty Springfield or Righteous Brothers (how's that for a heavy flash back?)

Maude Lebowski: What do you do for recreation? / The Dude: Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback.

As noted, that method provides limited support for multi-table flashbacks.

[…] less used and specialized types of queries, including composite queries, hierarchical queries, version flashbacks, and parallel queries.

Word Forms

• flashbacks
• flashbacking
• flashbacked

Synonyms for flash back

Related Words

When Should You Use Flash back?

Use flash back when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions