flare up

/flɛr ʌp/
noun
  1. A sudden increase in the severity or intensity of a disease or medical condition.
    • The doctor prescribed stronger medication to control the eczema flare-up.
    • She had a flare-up of her asthma after running in the cold air.
    • Stress can often trigger a flare-up of chronic pain.
  2. A sudden outbreak of violence, anger, or conflict.
    • A flare-up of fighting between the two groups disrupted the peace talks.
    • The border dispute led to a brief flare-up of hostilities.
    • His comment caused a flare-up of tension at the dinner table.
  3. A sudden burst of flame or light.
    • The campfire had a flare-up when he added dry leaves.
    • The mechanic warned that a gas leak could cause a dangerous flare-up.
    • A flare-up from the grill singed his eyebrows.