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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flash-bang¹

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

The video shows officers throwing canisters of tear gas and a flash-bang grenade into the cell as Zumwalt screams.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers were equipped with a variety of what the police call “nonlethal” tools, including flash-bang devices, and several officers used them to fire at demonstrators at various points.

From New York Times

Officers used pepper spray and flash-bang explosives to dispel the crowd of demonstrators.

From Salon

The video also showed that a rifle, handguns, flash-bang and smoke grenades were recovered from the scene, along with ammunition and body armor, but officials did not say whether Savannah was armed when she was gunned down.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities did find multiple weapons, ammunition, flash-bang and smoke grenades, along with body armor and tactical helmets at the scene of the incident.

From Los Angeles Times