flare up

flare up

1. Lit. [for something] to ignite and burn. •

The firewood flared up at last—four matches having been used.

2. Lit. [for a fire] to burn brightly again and expand rapidly. •

After burning quietly for a while, the fire suddenly flared up and made the room very bright.

3. Fig. [for a pain or medical condition] to get worse suddenly. •

My arthritis flares up during the damp weather.

4. Fig. [for a dispute] to break out or escalate into a battle. •

A war flared up in the Middle East.

•

We can't send the whole army every time a dispute flares up.

5. and flare up at someone or something Fig. to lose one's temper at someone or something. •

I could tell by the way he flared up at me that he was not happy with what I had done.

•

I didn't mean to flare up.

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{v.} 1. To burn brightly for a short time especially after having died down. * /The fire flared up again and then died./ 2. To become suddenly angry. * /The mayor flared up at the reporter's remark./ * /The mother flared up at her children./ 3. To begin again suddenly, especially for a short time after a quiet time. * /Mr. Gray's arthritis flared up sometimes./ * /Even after they had conquered the country, revolts sometimes flared up./