flare-up
noun
a sudden burst of fire or light
flare-up
Britishnoun
-
a sudden burst of fire or light
-
informal a sudden burst of emotion or violence
verb
-
to burst suddenly into fire or light
-
informal to burst into anger
flare up
Idioms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“The flare-up of military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran risks pulling AUD/USD down to support at 0.6847,” the economist and currency strategist says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
The midfielder, who has 78 caps, has started all but one of England's World Cup games so far, missing the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama because of an injury flare-up.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
“Investors have largely assumed the latest Middle East flare-up will remain contained and shipping disruptions manageable. That assumption has held remarkably well considering recent attacks,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 12, 2026
The market is also fretting that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates more than once in 2026 to combat a flare-up in inflation.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
The lawyer’s sally induced guffaws, a courtroom flare-up that Judge Tate’s dour gaze soon extinguished.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
Katie described how Yann would "flare up" if he was in a room with any of his allergens.
From BBC ● Jun. 13, 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
The economic woes that underpinned the protests have worsened since the start of the war, raising the possibility that the unrest could flare up again.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 29, 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Islamic republic had the "necessary will" to end the war, provided its enemies guaranteed it would not flare up again.
From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 2026
He lit the torches and watched them flare up, then settle down to burn slowly.
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
