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

Drinking heavily can worsen the symptoms for each, causing flare-ups due to inflammation. —Sanjana Ray, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2024

Cue an angry flare-up when Rosler came off the bench to score City’s second goal and ran to the dugout, jabbing an accusatory finger at the home manager. —Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024

Embers had sparked tiny flare-ups on the school grounds, setting palm trees ablaze. —Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Daily suppressive therapy with antivirals can reduce the frequency of asymptomatic shedding, lower the risk of transmission, and also prevent flare-ups of sores. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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