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flash-bang

[ flash-bang ]

noun

  1. Also called flash gre·nade,. a type of grenade that explodes with a loud noise and a dazzling flash of light, used to distract or momentarily disorient people without injuring them:

    He used a flash-bang from his own utility belt to temporarily blind his pursuers.

    The group is concerned that gear like flash-bang grenades and shock cuffs are leading to more aggressive policing.

  2. a dazzling flash of light accompanied by a loud noise:

    The thick smoke mingled with the occasional flash-bang of a surplus grenade.

  3. attention-grabbing, thrilling, or impressive character; glitz; showiness:

    Grounded in real-world issues, the stories examined the seamier side of life often ignored in the flash-bang of other superhero comics.



adjective

  1. relating to or characterized by a combination of bright light and loud noise:

    An intense hail started, followed by extremely close, flash-bang lightning.

  2. catching the attention in an impressive or thrilling way; showy:

    The flash-bang, hair-trigger excitement of the movie’s early scenes progressively loses impact as the stumbling saga unfolds.

    Not all sports injuries are of a flash-bang type—some are cumulative, built up over months or even years.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of flash-bang1

First recorded in 1840–45
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Example Sentences

Tear gas and flash bang grenades were fired early Wednesday.

As he prepared to plunge his knife through the canvas, flash bang!

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