flareup

American  

[flair-uhp] / ˈflɛərˌʌp /

noun

1. a sudden flaring up of flame or light.

2. a sudden outburst or intensification, as of anger or tensions.

3. a sudden outbreak of violence, disease, or any other condition thought to be quelled, checked, or inactive.

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Etymology

Origin of flareup

First recorded in 1830–40; noun use of verb phrase flare up

Example Sentences

Despite a recent flareup in trade frictions, most analysts expect to see a de-escalation in tensions and some form of truce, which would give markets a big boost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

"Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover," said Tyson.

From BBC • May 31, 2024

The fire occurred next to a hilly wildland area, northeast of heavily populated neighborhoods with limited exit routes; firefighters thought they had it under control nearly a day before a flareup erupted.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Disneyland in Shanghai closed Monday as the populous Chinese city faced a flareup of the coronavirus as part of a broader surge that is taxing the central communist government’s zero-COVID policy.

From Washington Times • Mar. 21, 2022

It bloomed best, most sublimely, in the middle of an emotional flareup of just this kind.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger