LookItUp

flare up

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌflɛr ˈʌp/ · UK /ˌfleər ˈʌp/

flare up means: To suddenly become stronger or worse, often after a quiet period.

verb

SUDDENLY WORSENB2

To suddenly become stronger or worse, often after a quiet period.

  • My back pain flared up again.
  • Fighting flared up along the border last night.
  • Do your symptoms flare up when you feel stressed?

Similar words: intensify, worsen

Opposites: ease, subside

Common phrases: symptoms flare up, tensions flare up, pain flare up

BURN BRIGHTLYB2

If a fire does this, it suddenly burns more brightly again.

  • The fire flared up again.
  • Flames flared up when she added dry wood.
  • Watch out if the coals flare up under the meat.

Similar words: blaze up

Opposites: die down

Common phrases: flames flare up, fire flare up

BECOME ANGRYC1

To suddenly become angry and show it.

  • She flared up when I laughed.
  • He flared up at the suggestion that he had lied.
  • Why do you flare up whenever we discuss money?

How to use it: flare up at someone/something (He flared up at the slightest criticism.)

Similar words: explode, lose your temper

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: flare up at someone, flare up in anger

Questions about flare up

What does flare up mean?

To suddenly become stronger or worse, often after a quiet period.

What is flare up in other languages?

Türkçe: şiddetlenmek · Español: agudizarse · Français: s’aggraver · Deutsch: sich verschlimmern · Italiano: acuirsi · 日本語: 悪化する

How do you pronounce flare up?

In American English /ˌflɛr ˈʌp/; in British English /ˌfleər ˈʌp/.

How do you use flare up in a sentence?

My back pain flared up again. Fighting flared up along the border last night.

Learn flare up while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

flare up in other languages

More words