Flashback (Noun)
Meaning 1
An unexpected but vivid recurrence of a past experience (especially a recurrence of the effects of an hallucinogenic drug taken much earlier).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A transition (in literary or theatrical works or films) to an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The film's narrative was presented in a non-linear fashion, with a flashback to the protagonist's childhood that explained her motivations.
- The flashback to the war scene was a pivotal moment in the play, revealing the character's deep-seated trauma.
- As the old man sat in his rocking chair, a flashback to his wedding day brought a smile to his face.
- The novel's use of flashback allowed the reader to understand the complexities of the character's relationships.
- The flashback to the night of the accident was a turning point in the movie, changing the audience's perception of the main character.