Flare up

verb

To suddenly exhibit strong emotion.

She tries to keep calm, but occasionally, her anger flares up.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To suddenly exhibit strong emotion.

Often appears as...

  • anger flares up
  • emotion flares up
verb

For a disease or condition to return or worsen suddenly.

His allergies flared up after he went outside.
Visual representation of "flare up" - For a disease or condition to return or worsen suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • allergies flare up
  • symptoms flare up

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To begin or intensify suddenly.

Violence had flared up again in the troubled region.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To begin or intensify suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • violence flares up
  • conflict flares up
verb

To burn or shine brightly and suddenly.

The campfire flared up as the wind blew.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To burn or shine brightly and suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • fire flares up
  • lamp flares up
verb

To suddenly exhibit strong emotion.

She tries to keep calm, but occasionally, her anger flares up.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To suddenly exhibit strong emotion.

Often appears as...

  • anger flares up
  • emotion flares up
verb

For a disease or condition to return or worsen suddenly.

His allergies flared up after he went outside.
Visual representation of "flare up" - For a disease or condition to return or worsen suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • allergies flare up
  • symptoms flare up

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To begin or intensify suddenly.

Violence had flared up again in the troubled region.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To begin or intensify suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • violence flares up
  • conflict flares up
verb

To burn or shine brightly and suddenly.

The campfire flared up as the wind blew.
Visual representation of "flare up" - To burn or shine brightly and suddenly.

Often appears as...

  • fire flares up
  • lamp flares up
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "flare up"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Unexpected Outburst

Used when someone's emotions suddenly become intense, often without much warning.

Illustration for Unexpected Outburst
During the debate, a candidate's frustration flared up, stunning the audience.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Controlled to Explosive

Indicates a quick transition from being calm to becoming very angry or upset.

Illustration for Controlled to Explosive
When insulted, his calm demeanor flared up into rage.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Unexpected Outburst

Used when someone's emotions suddenly become intense, often without much warning.

Illustration for Unexpected Outburst
During the debate, a candidate's frustration flared up, stunning the audience.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Controlled to Explosive

Indicates a quick transition from being calm to becoming very angry or upset.

Illustration for Controlled to Explosive
When insulted, his calm demeanor flared up into rage.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Unexpected Outburst

Used when someone's emotions suddenly become intense, often without much warning.

Illustration for Unexpected Outburst
During the debate, a candidate's frustration flared up, stunning the audience.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Controlled to Explosive

Indicates a quick transition from being calm to becoming very angry or upset.

Illustration for Controlled to Explosive
When insulted, his calm demeanor flared up into rage.
Visual representation of the word "Flare up"

Never forget "Flare up"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top