flare-up

noun

1. a sudden burst of fire or light
2. informal.
   a sudden burst of emotion or violence

verb

1. to burst suddenly into fire or light
2. informal.
   to burst into anger

Idioms and Phrases

Suddenly become angry, as in She flared up at the slightest provocation . This metaphoric expression, dating from the mid-1800s, transfers a sudden burst of flame to sudden rage.

Example Sentences

Unrest flared up again in the city on Monday evening when an empty tram was attacked.

From BBC

The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands earlier warned Israelis in Amsterdam to avoid Dam square, saying the event "may flare up into significant violent incidents".

From BBC

The virus - which affects poultry and wild birds - has been around for a century, usually flaring up in autumn and fading away in spring and summer.

From BBC

In a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a bone spur on Kershaw’s right big toe flared up so bad he was forced to leave the game in the second inning.

From Los Angeles Times

The situation may be improved because people may still have some residual immunity from flu and RSV, Chin-Hong said, which flared up the past couple of winters.

From Los Angeles Times