flare-up

noun

ˈfler-ˌəp 

1

: a sudden outburst or intensification

a flare-up of hostilities

2

: a sudden bursting (as of a smoldering fire) into flame or light

a danger of flare-ups

3

: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition

an asthmatic flare-up

Synonyms

• burst
• flare
• flash
• flicker
• flurry
• flutter
• outbreak
• outburst
• spurt

Examples of flare-up in a Sentence

took medication to prevent a flare-up of her asthma

there's no need for an angry flare-up, as we'll take care of the problem immediately

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to the final round of the Masters, Woods withdrew due to a flare-up of his plantar fasciitis. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

This latest flare-up abated after Ford relented. —The Editors, National Review, 12 Mar. 2025

This rash tends to develop during Crohn's flare-ups (when the disease produces active symptoms). —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Crohn's flare-ups often trigger skin rashes, which may develop in different areas and vary in appearance. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flare-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

flare-up

noun

ˈfla(ə)r-ˌəp,

ˈfle(ə)r-

: a sudden burst (as of flame or anger)

Medical Definition

flare-up

noun

-ˌəp 

: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition

an asthmatic flare-up