- 1[intransitive, transitive] to shine very brightly for a short time; to make something shine in this way Lightning flashed in the distance. the flashing blue lights of a police car Start crossing when the green WALK sign starts to flash. + adv./prep. A neon sign flashed on and off above the door. flash something The guide flashed a light into the cave. give signal
- 2[transitive, intransitive] to use a light to give someone a signal flash something (at somebody) Red lights flashed a warning at them. Why is that driver flashing his lights at us? flash somebody (something) Red lights flashed them a warning. flash (something at) somebody Why is that driver flashing his lights at us?
- 3[transitive] flash something at somebody to show something to someone quickly He flashed his pass at the security officer. move quickly
- 4[intransitive] + adv./prep. to move or pass very quickly The countryside flashed past the train windows. A look of terror flashed across his face. of thoughts/memories
- 5[intransitive] + adv./prep. to come into your mind suddenly A terrible thought flashed through my mind. on screen
- 6[intransitive, transitive] to appear on a television screen, computer screen, etc. for a short time; to make something do this A message was flashing on his pager. flash (something) (up) His name was flashed up on the screen. send news
- 7[transitive] flash something + adv./prep. to send information quickly by radio, computer, etc. News of their triumph was flashed around the world.
- 8[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) (literary) to show a strong emotion suddenly and quickly Her eyes flashed with anger. Fear flashed in his eyes. of a man
- 9[intransitive, transitive] (informal) if a man flashes, he shows his sexual organs in public Idioms
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NAmE//flæʃ//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they flash he / she / it flashes
past simple flashed
-ing form flashing
to smile, look, etc. at someone suddenly and quickly Phrasal Verbsflash aroundflash backflash byflash on
Check pronunciation: flash