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
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
Each side accused the other of starting the border flare-up.
—
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Today, Maya can walk unassisted but continues to suffer from intense flare-ups of CRPS.
—Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Originally scheduled for July 20, the event was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up in May 2024.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
The latest flare-up has underscored the stumbling blocks to a lasting peace.
—Jana Choukeir, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flare-up
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Helen Regan, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Today, Maya can walk unassisted but continues to suffer from intense flare-ups of CRPS.
—Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Originally scheduled for July 20, the event was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up in May 2024.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
The latest flare-up has underscored the stumbling blocks to a lasting peace.
—Jana Choukeir, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flare-up
Cite this Entry
“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flare-up
noun
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
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