flash-bang

n. an explosive device that emits noise and light but is not intended to cause damage. Subjects: English, Military, Police

Editorial Note: Flash-bang grenade is the full, more common, form.

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Citations: 1985 Los Angeles Times (Jan. 26) (in San Diego) p. 2-8: Police officers shot a “flash-bang” grenade into an Ocean Beach apartment late Thursday, then burst through the doors and arrested three men on narcotics charges. 1985 Patricia Klein, Stephanie Chavez Los Angeles Times (Feb. 9) “Pacoima Leaders Protest Police Use of Motorized Ram”: Police Capt. Cunningham cited a December drug raid in which a woman was killed when a police diversionary explosive device, commonly known as a “flash bang,” was hurled into a rock house. Other officers, however, said a “flash bang” device was also used in Wednesday’s raid. 2005 Stephanie Heinatz Virginian Pilot (Norfolk, Va.) (Aug. 4) “State trooper is injured by flash-bang grenade”: While the flash-bang, as they are called in the trade, looks, operates and explodes much like a grenade, it’s meant to cause shock, not damage, police said.

Posted 6 Jan 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

Tom Clancy uses this word alot in his earlier books.

by Soviak 08 Jan 06, 0222 GMT

Also a commonly used term in theatrical and film special effects.

by badmonkey 08 Jan 06, 0953 GMT