flash-bang

noun

ˈflash-ˌbaŋ 

variants or flash-bang grenade or flash grenade

plural flash-bangs or flash-bang grenades or flash grenades

: an explosive device that produces a blinding flash of light and a sudden, loud noise intended to temporarily stun, distract, and disperse people and that is thrown by hand or projected

Flash-bangs have become a popular but controversial diversionary tactic used by SWAT teams. The devices give officers key seconds to make tactical moves and are especially useful in hostage situations.

—Michael S. Rosenwald

When armed motorcades arrive at the entrance, Marines toss flash-bang grenades to clear the crowd.

—Gregg Zoroya

Late in the afternoon, officers fired about a dozen flash grenades at the suspect. The loud, bright projectiles seemed to disorient him, and officers were able to rush in and take him into custody.

—Jenna Lyons and Peter Fimrite

called also stun grenade

Examples of flash-bang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Martin heard the sound of a flash-bang grenade exploding, mixed with pounding and shouting. —Dylan Moore, National Review, 10 Oct. 2024

That night residents, protesters and journalists in Brooklyn Center met with members of Operation Safety Net, an aggressive coalition of Minnesota National Guard soldiers, state troopers and local police who used tear gas and flash-bangs to clear the streets. —Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 19 Sep. 2024

The baby is now in the ICU and was diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis as a result of the flash-bang, the mother said. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Not only did these totally thrash me about, but flash-bang lights went off in the corner of the theater to really sell it. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2024

Listen to this article An Ohio mother alleges that police wrongfully raided her home and set off flash-bangs that resulted in her 17-month-old child being sent to the ICU with burn injuries. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Advertisement The video shows officers throwing canisters of tear gas and a flash-bang grenade into the cell as Zumwalt screams. —Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

When, in April, antiwar students gathered to march on campus, they were met by state troopers in riot gear and police officers who deployed pepper spray and flash-bang explosives. —Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, The New Yorker, 8 May 2024

Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. —Julie Watson, Fortune, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above