\ ˈfler-ˌəp
\
\
Definition of flare-up
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
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about flare-up
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
Snuffing Out Confusion Between 'Flare'...
Snuffing Out Confusion Between 'Flare' and 'Flair'
Sorting through their misspellings with style.
Dictionary Entries near flare-up
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for flare-up
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for flare-up
flare-up
noun
English Language Learners Definition of flare-up
: a sudden occurrence of flame
: a sudden occurrence or expression of anger
: an occurrence in which something (such as violence or a disease) suddenly begins or becomes worse
See the full definition for flare-up in the English Language Learners Dictionary
flare-up
noun
\ -ˌəp
\
\
Medical Definition of flare-up
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
Comments on flare-up
What made you want to look up flare-up? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Flower Edition
-
- Name that flower
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share flare-up
Time Traveler for flare-up
The first known use of flare-up was in 1839
See more words from the same year