flare-up

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The budding anti-migrant sentiment has led to occasional flare-ups of protest or violence and prompted the United Nations refugee agency to conduct its own poll of public views on migration in Mexico. Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 Pointing out that canker sores are a common manifestation of Crohn’s disease, especially during a flare-up of symptoms, for example, helps empower patients to understand their experiences, Cohen-Mekelburg says. Sarah Klein, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024 The conflict never formally ended and the flare-up is the most significant since 2020, when Russia and Turkey reached a ceasefire in Idlib. Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 Eosinophils are responsible for approximately 30 percent of COPD flare-ups and half of asthma attacks. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flare-up 

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flare-up was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near flare-up

Cite this Entry

“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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