flare-up

noun

ˈfler-ˌəp 

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

Synonyms of flare-up

• flurry
• burst
• outburst
• outbreak
• flare

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

Investors embraced the latest developments in the Middle East, where any de-escalation might act to help steady global economic activity and ease recent concern over a flare-up in inflationary price pressures. —Sean Conlon,hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2026

My stomach cramping and pain were too sharp to even walk, and the four-day trip was lost to a flare-up. —Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2026

The latest flare-up underscores a broader geopolitical clash about Iran, Gaza and regional influence, even as Washington attempts to maintain cooperation with both sides. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

There were no more real flare-ups — just Detroit (59-22) dominating the Hornets like a big brother dominating a little brother in a game of one-on-one. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flare-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

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

-ˌəp 

: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition

an asthmatic flare-up