flash-bang

American  

[flash-bang] / ˈflæʃˌbæŋ /

noun

1. Also called flash-bang grenade.  Also called flash grenade,.  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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of flash-bang

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

They also show residents standing in front of a silver Chevy SUV, prompting a federal agent to use a flash-bang grenade to disperse the crowd but with no effect.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

Whether the demonstration was calm or chaotic, a silent march or a pandemonium of screaming and flash-bang grenades, he’d be there with his camera, calmly taking it all in.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Shortly before he delivered the Rose Garden speech, flash-bang devices and what has been described as tear gas were deployed near protesters who had been congregating near the White House.

From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2020

The powder may have blown into the air as the tactical team tossed a flash-bang grenade, or the suspects may have swept it from the table in a panic, Foley said.

From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2016

Judging from the ringing in Leo’s ears, the dwarf had detonated the flash-bang grenade, which Leo had filled with a rare vial of Apollo’s music, pure liquid extract.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan