flash-bang
noun
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
Michael S. RosenwaldWhen armed motorcades arrive at the entrance, Marines toss flash-bang grenades to clear the crowd.—Gregg Zoroya
Gregg ZoroyaLate 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
Jenna Lyons and Peter Fimritecalled also stun grenade
Examples of flash-bang in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Federal agents have used flash-bang grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds from Paramount to downtown to the Garment District.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
In response, federal agents in riot gear unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls.
—Jake Offenhartz, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
The law enforcement personnel used flash-bang devices to disperse the crowds that blocked their vehicles.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
Police declared an unlawful assembly and responded by firing tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang concussion rounds toward the crowd.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 June 2025
The immigration authorities discharged flash-bangs, leading to a chaotic scene.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 6 June 2025
Then a flash-bang grenade detonated in a burst of white in a front room.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Martin stopped coaching track because the starting pistol reminded her of the flash-bang grenade the agents set off.
—Sudhin Thanawala and Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The initial jolt came fast and furious, starting with a flash-bang grenade in her living room.
—Dylan Moore, National Review, 1 Mar. 2025
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Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
In response, federal agents in riot gear unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls.
—Jake Offenhartz, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
The law enforcement personnel used flash-bang devices to disperse the crowds that blocked their vehicles.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
Police declared an unlawful assembly and responded by firing tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang concussion rounds toward the crowd.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 June 2025
The immigration authorities discharged flash-bangs, leading to a chaotic scene.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 6 June 2025
Then a flash-bang grenade detonated in a burst of white in a front room.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Martin stopped coaching track because the starting pistol reminded her of the flash-bang grenade the agents set off.
—Sudhin Thanawala and Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The initial jolt came fast and furious, starting with a flash-bang grenade in her living room.
—Dylan Moore, National Review, 1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flash-bang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash-bang. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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