flare-up

Noun

flare-up (plural flare-ups)

1. A sudden outbreak, outburst or eruption (originally of flame, but now used more generally of any violent activity or emotion).
   • But what I do think is that there's likely to be a regular flare-up soon. And how can one tell where that may end? If only I could get Ambrose to take me away somewhere! But he won't budge.1933, Richard Curle, Corruption, page 75
   • The disadvantage of the underfired grill is the potential for flareups, which can cause a burned spot or carbonization. Not only do these taste bad, but they are also carcinogenic.2009, Peter Osbaldeston, The Palm Springs Diner's Bible: A Restaurant Guide for Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, la Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, and Desert Hot...

   Antonyms:

   burnout, flameout

2. A sudden intensification in activity.

   Antonyms:

   burnout, flameout

3. An inflammation such as of tendons (tendonitis) or joints (osteoarthritis).
   • Although Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, they are characterized by periods of remission that last for varying amounts of time, interrupted by flare-ups, when symptoms of the disease become more evident.2000, Jon Zonderman, Ronald Vender, Understanding Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

   Synonyms:

   flare