Flasher: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšฆ
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flasher

 

[ หˆflรฆสƒษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lighting device

A flasher is a device that causes lights to turn on and off rapidly or to blink. It is commonly used in vehicles as a signal to indicate a turn or to warn of a hazard. Flashers can be found in various applications, including emergency vehicles, construction zones, and traffic signals. The effect created by a flasher enhances visibility and alerts others to important signals. In modern usage, flashers can also refer to flashing lights in electronic devices for notifications.

Synonyms

blinker, flashing light, indicator

Examples of usage

  • The flasher on his car indicated he was turning left.
  • Emergency vehicles often use flashers to alert traffic.
  • The construction site had bright flashers to warn drivers.
Context #2 | Noun

exhibitionist

In another context, a flasher refers to a person who exposes themselves in public, often for shock or to provoke a reaction. This behavior is typically seen as deviant or inappropriate, and in many places, it is considered a criminal act. Flashers may seek attention or thrill from their actions, which can cause distress or discomfort to unsuspecting individuals. It's a term widely portrayed in media and culture, sometimes humorously, but it carries serious legal implications.

Synonyms

exhibitionist, peeping Tom, pervert

Examples of usage

  • The flasher was reported to the police after exposing himself.
  • In movies, flashers are often depicted as comic relief.
  • Flasher incidents can lead to serious legal consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "flasher" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น flashlight

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเฅเคฒเฅˆเคถเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Blitzgerรคt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lampu senter

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะปะตัˆะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ latarka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ•ใƒฉใƒƒใ‚ทใƒฃใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lampe de poche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ linterna

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท el feneri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”Œ๋ž˜์…”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูู„ุงุด

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ svรญtilna

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ svietidlo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰‹็”ต็ญ’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ svetilka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fari

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฑั‚ะฐะฝะดั‹ั€า“ั‹ัˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒšแƒแƒจแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ flaลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ linterna

Etymology

The word 'flasher' originates from the verb 'flash', which dates back to the early 19th century. The verb 'flash' comes from the Old English 'flaescan', meaning to shine or to burst forth suddenly. The suffix '-er' is a common English formation to denote someone or something that performs a specific action or has a particular function. The early use of the term likely referred to anything that flashed or emitted light. Over time, the definition expanded to include various contexts, such as traffic and signaling devices, as well as the informal term for an exhibitionist in the mid-20th century. The dual meanings of the word reflect broader societal concepts of signaling and visibility in different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,673 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.