flare up
Present Participle
flaring up
Past Tense
flared up
Past Participle
flared up
1
to suddenly become more intense, especially in terms of a situation or conflict
- The argument between the neighbors flared up again, and the police were called.
- Political tensions in the region continue to flare up, causing concerns for international peace.
- The dispute over the inheritance flared up during the reading of the will.
- The team's performance had been stable, but their issues with teamwork flared up during a crucial project.
- The social media discussion quickly flared up into a heated debate over politics.
Synonyms:
2
(of fire, flames, etc.) to suddenly and strongly increase in brightness or intensity
- The wildfire flared up due to strong winds, making it more challenging to control.
- As the wind picked up, the campfire flared up, providing much-needed warmth.
- The fire in the hearth flared up, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
- The forest fire flared up as strong winds swept through the area, posing a greater danger to nearby homes.
3
to suddenly become angry or agitated
- His patience finally ran out, and he flared up at the constant interruptions.
- Her temper tended to flare up when she was stressed or frustrated.
- Don't mention that topic around him; it's a sensitive subject that makes him flare up.
- Her temper flared up when she heard the criticism of her work.
- He tends to flare up whenever his authority is questioned.
4
(of an illness or disease) to suddenly worsen or become active again after a period of improvement
- Her arthritis flared up after a period of remission, causing severe pain in her joints.
- The virus had been contained, but it could still flare up in certain areas.
- The skin condition flared up due to exposure to the sun, causing discomfort.
- The illness seemed to have been in remission, but it flared up unexpectedly.
- Her allergies flared up in the spring when the pollen count was high.