flare up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
To burn brightly again.
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
To become more intense suddenly.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To burst out suddenly, as in anger.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
a jovial social gathering, a "breakdown," a "row."
Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “flare up” mean?
To burn brightly again.
Is “flare up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.