flare-up

noun

1. a sudden burst of fire or light
2. informal.
   a sudden burst of emotion or violence

verb

1. to burst suddenly into fire or light
2. informal.
   to burst into anger

Idioms and Phrases

Suddenly become angry, as in She flared up at the slightest provocation . This metaphoric expression, dating from the mid-1800s, transfers a sudden burst of flame to sudden rage.

Example Sentences

The principle is sound, but the effect is small enough that another source entirely could be responsible for the extra flare-up.

From The Daily Beast

A major flare-up in the fighting is another factor that could torpedo the talks.

From The Daily Beast

She said she first learned of the current flare up by seeing tweets from the IDF spokesperson's Twitter account.

From The Daily Beast

I asked him what he thought of the latest flare-up between Israel and Hamas.

From The Daily Beast

The exchanges are only the latest flare-up in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which grabbed power in Gaza in 2007.

From The Daily Beast

For a word, she would flare up into a sudden anger, nor try as he would, could he divine what action of his would displease her.

From Project Gutenberg

As the light gleamed out Lieutenant Hal turned its broad flare up the river.

From Project Gutenberg

The light of the lantern began to splutter and flare up, showing that the oil in the cup was running low.

From Project Gutenberg

You don't want to take advantage of her being sick and weakly now—now, you no need to flare up!

From Project Gutenberg

Now, for some little flare-up you come racing here to use Elnora as a tool to spite the other girl.

From Project Gutenberg