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

• 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

Of course, the comet could always dim much more rapidly, or a sudden, unexpected flare-up could also occur. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025

For mild flare-ups, hydrocortisone cream can reduce itching and irritation. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025

Current treatments aim to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and prevent flare-ups. —New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025

But some of the more important flare-ups on Sunday came from Sacramento. —Ian Swanson, The Hill, 6 Oct. 2025

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