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flare-up

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noun \ 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

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First Known Use of flare-up

1839

flare-up Synonyms

Synonyms
burst, flare, flare-up, flash, flicker, flurry, flutter, outburst, spurt
Related Words
recrudescence, recurrence, renewal; binge, jag, spree; boost, increase, pickup, upswing, upturn; epidemic, eruption, explosion, paroxysm; deluge, flood, rush, spate, surge, volley; commotion, furor, uproar
Near Antonyms
calm, doldrums, slump

FLARE-UP Defined for English Language Learners

flare-up

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noun

Definition of flare-up for English Language Learners

  • : 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

Medical 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

Learn More about flare-up

  1. See words that rhyme with flare-up Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flare-up

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anathematize

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to curse or denounce

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