2. To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst
instantly and brightly on the sight; to show a momentary
brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash.
Names which have flashed and thundered as the watch
words of unnumbered struggles. --Talfourd.
The object is made to flash upon the eye of the
mind. --M. Arnold.
A thought flashed through me, which I clothed in
act. --Tennyson.
3. To burst forth like a sudden flame; to break out
violently; to rush hastily.
Every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other.
--Shak.
{To flash in the pan}, to fail of success. [Colloq.] See
under {Flash}, a burst of light. --Bartlett.
Syn: {Flash}, {Glitter}, {Gleam}, {Glisten}, {Glister}.
Usage: Flash differs from glitter and gleam, denoting a flood
or wide extent of light. The latter words may express
the issuing of light from a small object, or from a
pencil of rays. Flash differs from other words, also,
in denoting suddenness of appearance and
disappearance. Flashing differs from exploding or
disploding in not being accompanied with a loud
report. To glisten, or glister, is to shine with a
soft and fitful luster, as eyes suffused with tears,
or flowers wet with dew.