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.
Some ingredients in laundry detergents can be harsh on sensitive skin, leading to irritation, allergies, or eczema flare-ups. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025 Financial difficulties and health flare-ups while balancing day-to-day responsibilities can be demoralizing at best. Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. Since then, there have been occasional minor flare-ups, usually brought in by international travelers, but by and large, measles outbreaks have been rare. Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2025 There was one flare-up of petulance with 6:53 left in the game. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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