flash

Definition

To cause to shine briefly or intermittently.

Etymology

In some senses, from Middle English flasshen, a variant of flasken, flaskien (“to sprinkle, splash”), which was likely of imitative origin; in other senses probably of North Germanic origin akin to Swedish dialectal flasa (“to burn brightly, blaze”), related to flare. Compare also Icelandic flasa (“to rush, go hastily”).

Example Sentences

• "He flashed the light at the water, trying to see what made the noise."
• "The light flashed on and off."
• "Eugenie's quick apprehensions seized the foul thought. Her eyes flashed—her cheek crimsoned."

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