flare

/flɛr/
verb
  1. To burn with a sudden bright flame or light.
    • Gas from the pipe flared into a huge fireball.
    • The fire flared up when he added more wood.
    • The match flared and then went out.
  2. To suddenly become stronger, more intense, or more noticeable.
    • Her temper flared when she saw the mess.
    • Tensions flared between the two groups during the meeting.
    • The argument flared up again after a brief silence.
  3. To spread outward or become wider at one end.
    • The road flares into three lanes ahead.
    • His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath.
    • The dress flares out at the waist.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
  1. A sudden bright flame or light.
    • The ship sent up a flare to signal for help.
    • A flare from the campfire lit up the whole clearing.
    • There was a sudden flare of light as the match was struck.
  2. A device that produces a bright light or smoke, used as a signal or for illumination.
    • The police used a flare to stop traffic on the highway.
    • The hikers carried flares in case they got lost at night.
    • Each life raft is equipped with a flare for emergencies.
  3. A sudden increase or outburst of something, such as emotion, activity, or a medical condition.
    • There was a flare of interest in the old building after the article was published.
    • The patient experienced a flare of arthritis in the cold weather.
    • She had a flare of anger when she heard the news.
  4. A gradual widening or spreading outward, especially of a piece of clothing or a shape.
    • The pants have a slight flare from the knee down.
    • The skirt has a nice flare at the bottom.
    • The flare of the trumpet's bell gives it a bright sound.
Synonyms
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