Enduring image: Capturing defining moments in crises.

Highlights: [•] We examined five case studies of crisis with an inherent enduring image. [•] An enduring image is the shared image of first mention among its public. [•] Enduring image emerges from defining moments in crisis and is loaded with symbolic potential. [•] Enduring image exhibits a sense of permanence that endures beyond the crisis timeline. [•] An enduring image becomes a prime representation of the accused during a crisis and beyond. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]