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

Crews remained on fire watch throughout the night to ensure public safety and no flare-ups. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Dec. 2024

Crews remained on fire watch Thursday night in case of flare-ups, the LAFD said. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

Anti-inflammatory vitamin E and nourishing vitamin B5 are also in the mix to calm your flare-ups down. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Dec. 2024

These flare-ups seem to happen often at Disney and the controversy rarely, if ever, works in the company’s favor. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 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