flash·back
ˈflash-ˌbak
1
: a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)
2
a
: interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence
also
: an instance of flashback
Jane, a TV producer, is shown in flashback as a schoolgirl … —Margaret Rauch
b
: a past incident recurring vividly in the mind
also
: an instance of such recurrence
having flashbacks to his experiences in the war
flashed back; flashing back; flashes back
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
Cite this Entry
“Flashback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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