Definition of flashback

The term "flashback" originated in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the growing popularity of cinema and the use of cinematic techniques in literature. It combines the word "flash," referring to a sudden burst of light or a brief glimpse, with "back," indicating a return to the past. The earliest recorded use of "flashback" in its modern sense dates back to 1922 in a book review, suggesting its initial use to describe a sudden, vivid memory. The term quickly gained traction and became widely adopted to describe the narrative technique of shifting to a past event, solidifying its place in both literature and film.