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

Talk to a healthcare provider if flare-ups continue or get worse. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 28 Mar. 2025

Evacuation orders were issued across multiple towns and counties as dry conditions and wind gusts fueled flare-ups that had earlier been partially contained. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

And trust us, those flare-ups are definitely worth avoiding. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Mar. 2025

Recognizing and avoiding triggers can help reduce flare-ups. —Jurairat J. Molina, Verywell Health, 24 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