1. a scene in a movie, novel, or play that shows events that happened earlier in the story
Usage: literature; film
2. a sudden vivid memory of a past event, especially a traumatic one
Usage: psychology

Examples

• The movie used flashbacks to reveal the character’s childhood.
• In the novel, flashbacks explained why the hero was so afraid of water.
• The veteran experienced flashbacks of the battle.
• She had a flashback to her wedding day when she heard their song.
• The therapist helped him cope with his flashbacks.
• The story begins in the present, then uses flashbacks to fill in the details.