The phrasal verb "flare up" is primarily used in informal contexts, as it often appears in everyday conversation or in journalistic writing to describe situations involving sudden increases in intensity or the reoccurrence of something negative. Commonly, it refers to an outbreak or worsening of something, such as anger, conflict, or medical conditions like a rash or pain. For instance, when tempers "flare up," it means people become suddenly angry or an argument unexpectedly intensifies. Similarly, if an illness or condition "flares up," it describes the symptoms returning or worsening suddenly. Despite its informal leaning, the phrase is versatile and can be used in semi-formal writing, especially in medical or psychological contexts when describing these sudden exacerbations. Such versatility and specific niche make "flare up" a widely recognized and often relied upon expression.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To suddenly become worse or more intense; typically used in the context of emotions, conflict, or medical conditions.
Her asthma tends to flare up during the pollen season.
Tensions between the two countries flared up following the meeting.
His temper flared up when he heard the news.
2. To suddenly catch fire or increase in brightness.