flare-up

noun

ˈfler-ˌəp 

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

Synonyms

• burst
• flare
• flash
• flicker
• flurry
• flutter
• outbreak
• outburst
• spurt

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

This has led to flare-ups between the more traditional locals and the eccentric church in their midst. —Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025

For conditions like canker sores, home remedies can reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Mar. 2025

Prior to the final round of the Masters, Woods withdrew due to a flare-up of his plantar fasciitis. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

Integrative medicine offers additional options to help manage autoimmune disease symptoms and reduce flare-ups: Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Diets like the autoimmune protocol (AIP) and Mediterranean diet focus on reducing inflammation and promoting gut health. —Jesse Pines, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flare-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

flare-up

noun

ˈfla(ə)r-ˌəp,

ˈfle(ə)r-

: a sudden burst (as of flame or anger)

Medical Definition

flare-up

noun

-ˌəp 

: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition

an asthmatic flare-up