flare-up

noun

1
: a sudden outburst or intensification
a flare-up of hostilities
2
: a sudden bursting (as of a smoldering fire) into flame or light
a danger of flare-ups
3
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up

Examples of flare-up in a Sentence

took medication to prevent a flare-up of her asthma there's no need for an angry flare-up, as we'll take care of the problem immediately
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Calming the itch enough to leave the area alone can make a marked difference in the length and severity of flare-ups. Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025 That flare-up pales in comparison with the current maelstrom, which jeopardizes not just Gascón’s own campaign, but that of the movie named after, and thus inextricable from, her character. Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 The fire Cal Fire first posted about the flare-up mid-afternoon Thursday, saying on social media that some brush had ignited along the Otay Mountain Truck Trail. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 Tyson and Paul repeatedly traded barbs and insults to each other leading up to the Nov. 15 boxing match, which was delayed by four months after the legendary former heavyweight champion was diagnosed with an ulcer flare-up. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flare-up 

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flare-up was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near flare-up

Cite this Entry

“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

flare-up

noun
ˈfla(ə)r-ˌəp,
ˈfle(ə)r-
: a sudden burst (as of flame or anger)

Medical Definition

flare-up

noun
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!