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

The event was originally planned for July 20 but was rescheduled to Nov. 15 after Tyson had an ulcer flare-up.

From Los Angeles Times

She previously chose not to come into work during a flare-up because travel on the trains and Tube network was "anxiety inducing".

From BBC

The flare-up of the Line fire worsened Monday as evacuation orders expanded and firefighters lost some ground on containment of the San Bernardino County wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

As of Sunday’s flare-up, firefighters wrestling to gain control of the fire had managed 83% containment.

From Los Angeles Times

The most active fire remaining is the Line fire in San Bernardino County, which was 83% contained but had a significant flare-up on Sunday, as the Victorville Daily Press reported.

From Los Angeles Times