Flashback Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔙

Add to dictionary

flashback

[ˈflæʃ.bæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

memory

A sudden and vivid memory of a past event or time, often triggered by a smell, sound, or sight.

Synonyms

memory, recollection, reminiscence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flashback	Refers to a sudden, vivid memory of a past event, often traumatic or significant, that interrupts the present. Commonly used in psychological contexts or narrative storytelling. He had a flashback to the accident he witnessed last year. The movie frequently uses flashbacks to reveal the character's past.
memory	A general term for the mental ability to store, retain, and recall information. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. She has a fond memory of her childhood home. Memory fades with age.
recollection	Refers to the action or power of recalling to mind. Often involves conscious effort to bring a past event back to mind. It can also imply a more formal or precise remembrance. To the best of my recollection, we met in 2010. His recollection of the event was surprisingly detailed.
reminiscence	Reflective, often nostalgic recall of past experiences. It implies a more positive or sentimental remembering of pleasant times. The book is filled with the author's reminiscences of growing up in the countryside. They spent the evening in reminiscence about their school days.

Examples of usage

I had a flashback to my childhood when I smelled freshly baked cookies.
She experienced a flashback of her time in college when she heard a familiar song on the radio.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

film

A scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story.

Synonyms

memory lane, reminiscence, retrospection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flashback	Used when someone suddenly recalls a past event, typically as a vivid image or scene. Commonly seen in storytelling, such as in books or movies, where it interrupts the current narrative to show these past events. She had a flashback to her childhood summers spent at her grandparents' farm During the meeting, he had a flashback to the first time he presented in front of a large audience
retrospection	Fitting for a thoughtful examination of past events, typically with an analytical or reflective tone. It is formal and often used in discussions about lessons learned from the past. In retrospection, she realized how significant that decision was The company's retrospection allowed them to identify what went wrong in their previous campaign
memory lane	Often used in a nostalgic context, indicating a pleasant journey into past memories. It is informal and usually suggests a sentimental and enjoyable recollection. Let's take a walk down memory lane and look at our high school yearbook Grandma loves taking a stroll down memory lane when she sees old family photos
reminiscence	Appropriate when discussing the enjoyable act of remembering, often within a reflective or contemplative conversation. It implies a fondness for the past and is more formal. During their reunion, there was much reminiscence about their college days His reminiscence of childhood adventures was heartwarming

Examples of usage

The movie used flashbacks to show the character's past experiences.
The novel included flashbacks to provide background information about the protagonist.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Flashbacks are often linked to strong emotions and can be triggered by sights, sounds, or smells reliving a past experience.
They are commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where a person might relive a traumatic event unexpectedly.
The brain recalls memories through a process called 'reconsolidation,' which makes flashbacks feel like you're experiencing the event again.

Literature

Flashbacks are a popular storytelling device in books and films, allowing writers to reveal characters' backstories in an engaging way.
They can create suspense and deepen the reader's or viewer's understanding by showing past events that shape current actions.
Famous examples can be found in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' where flashbacks provide context to the protagonist’s childhood experiences.

Film and Television

In filmmaking, flashbacks are often highlighted with visual effects or changes in color to represent a shift in time.
Television series like 'Lost' and 'This Is Us' use flashbacks extensively to piece together complex character narratives.
They can help to build tension or provide exposition, revealing important details at just the right moment.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, remembering ancestral stories through flashbacks can be an essential way to maintain traditions and values.
Nostalgia, often evoked by flashbacks, plays a significant role in shaping cultural identities and connections to the past.
Artworks or music might use the concept of flashbacks to evoke feelings of nostalgia or reflect societal changes over time.

Therapy

In psychotherapy, understanding and processing flashbacks can help individuals work through trauma and emotional pain.
Techniques like grounding exercises are used to help clients manage overwhelming flashbacks in a supportive environment.
Narrative therapy encourages people to tell their stories, helping them understand the significance of their flashbacks.

Origin of 'flashback'

The term 'flashback' originated in the early 1900s, combining 'flash' (sudden) and 'back' (to the past). It was initially used in psychology to describe the sudden, intense recollection of a past experience. Over time, the term expanded to include its usage in literature, film, and everyday language to refer to a sudden memory or a scene set in the past.