flare up
The phrase "flare up" is versatile, describing sudden intensification in various contexts like emotions, health conditions, and flames.
Definition
B2Emotion
(informal)To suddenly express a strong emotion, usually anger.
Example
- He tends to flare up when things don't go his way.
- Her temper flared up during the argument.
B2Health
(medical)To worsen or reoccur suddenly after a period of improvement, especially regarding a chronic illness.
Example
- His arthritis flared up in the cold weather.
- The patient's symptoms flared up again after stopping the medication.
B1Fire
(general)To burn more brightly or intensely for a short period.
Example
- The campfire flared up when they added more wood.
- A gust of wind caused the flames to flare up suddenly.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flare up":
flame upflare outblaze upfire upcatch fireburst upflame outgo up in flamesspark upflake outscorch upbubble upact upflash overlight upburst outburn upblaze downblaze awayfire outspring uplash outkick upheat upflash in the panhot upbreak outblow upback firesparks flypuff upboil overbug upwell uptake fireboil upadd fuel to the fire