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• flare-up
  flare-up

  noun

  a sudden burst of fire or light
• flare up
  flare up

  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.

flare-up

British  

noun

1. a sudden burst of fire or light

2. informal a sudden burst of emotion or violence

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verb

1. to burst suddenly into fire or light

2. informal to burst into anger

flare up Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flare-up flare up

Even so, the latest flare-up between the U.S. and Canada adds to the risks for both economies, especially if it should spiral out of control.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

"It's a huge area and there could be a flare-up again at any moment," deputy fire department spokesman Yiannis Artopios had earlier told state TV ERT.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

Inflation fell in July despite a rebound in global energy prices following a flare-up of conflict in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

As the smoke eases, firefighters then move into the forest on foot to try and contain the latest flare-up.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Towards the end of term he had a flare-up of asthma and wandered wheezing around the house in pajamas and bathrobe, hair standing on end, gasping theatrically at his inhaler.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

California’s struggling wine industry says it expects to take another hit as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada flare up again.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

During the introductory period, queues started to flare up at certain airports at busy times.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

"While geopolitical risks could still flare up, the more pressing issue appears to be macro-related," he said, pointing to the recent rise in sovereign bond yields and the prospect of central banks raising interest rates.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

While the possibility remains that hostilities could flare up again in the Persian Gulf, Haefele is adamant that gradual de-escalation is ongoing, citing President President Trump’s assertion that a cease fire is still in effect.

From MarketWatch ● May 8, 2026

She watched the parchment twist, blacken, and flare up.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• blowup
• epidemic
• eruption
• explosion
• outburst