Flashback Meaning
/ˈflæʃ.bæk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA dramatic device in which an earlier event is inserted into the normal chronological flow of a narrative.
nounA vivid mental image of a past trauma or other sensation that the trauma is happening in the present, especially one that recurs.
Sentence Examples
Tom had a Vietnam flashback.
This movie has way too many flashback scenes.
CEFR Practice Quiz
During the therapy session, she experienced a powerful ____ to her traumatic childhood experience.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The movie used a dramatic ____ to show the character's childhood and explain his current motivations.
Word Origin & History
From flash + back.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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?)"
— 1971, Georgia Strait, “The Gay Ghetto”, in Body Politic, number 1, page 17:
"Maude Lebowski: What do you do for recreation? / The Dude: Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
— 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski (motion picture):
"As noted, that method provides limited support for multi-table flashbacks."
— 2004, Kevin Loney, Oracle Database 10g The Complete Reference, page 497:
"[…] less used and specialized types of queries, including composite queries, hierarchical queries, version flashbacks, and parallel queries."
— 2004, Gavin J. T. Powell, Carol McCullough-Dieter, Oracle SQL: Jumpstart with Examples, page xxv:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
During the therapy session, she experienced a powerful ____ to her traumatic childhood experience.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The movie used a dramatic ____ to show the character's childhood and explain his current motivations.