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

Oil prices eased on Friday but remained on track for weekly gains of 5% after the flare-up. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 July 2026

For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his European backers, the latest flare-up with Iran could not have come at a worse time. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026

Hindered by an earlier calf flare-up, Pulisic has yet to score in this World Cup. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 July 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