flareup
Americannoun
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a sudden flaring up of flame or light.
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a sudden outburst or intensification, as of anger or tensions.
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a sudden outbreak of violence, disease, or any other condition thought to be quelled, checked, or inactive.
Etymology
Origin of flareup
First recorded in 1830–40; noun use of verb phrase flare up
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.
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
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.
