flare
verb (used without object)
to burn with an unsteady, swaying flame, as a torch or candle in the wind.
had flared
-
past perfectof flare.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Turkey borders Iran, and hostilities between Washington and Tehran had flared up again at the time.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
Tempers had flared after Forest's Neco Williams had appeared to push defender Marc Cucurella off the pitch.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2024
Anger had flared a couple days earlier when comments were deleted before being restored.
From New York Times ● Mar. 22, 2024
It wasn’t the first time Miller’s smoldering intensity had flared up on the mound.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2023
But the old familiar heat had flared up inside him and he couldn't stop himself.
From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat
