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

Rather, the flare-up is a result of an intensification of long-simmering, historical security concerns along the Durand Line. —Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

Instead, the 30-hour period included firefighting, water-damage cleanup, and flare-up prevention. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026

In the most recent flare-up, the government restricted payment until WADA subjected itself to an independent audit. —Eddie Pells, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

In the most recent flare-up, the government restricted payment until WADA subjected itself to an independent audit. —ABC News, 13 Mar. 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