plural flare-ups
1
: a sudden occurrence of flame
The fire is smoldering and there is still a danger of flare-ups.
2
: a sudden occurrence or expression of anger
a flare-up of temper during the debate
a moody teenager prone to emotional flare-ups
3
: an occurrence in which something (such as violence or a disease) suddenly begins or becomes worse
She had another flare-up of her asthma.
There has been a flare-up of violence along the border.
Cite this Entry
“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/flare-up. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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