Flare-Up
/ˈflɛr.ʌp/noun
A sudden outburst or temporary increase in activity, intensity, or symptoms.
Did you know?The core verb *flare* is tied to the idea of something spreading or blazing out, and English later fused it with *up* to make a vivid image of sudden rising intensity rather than a hidden occult term.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“to shine, flash, or burn”
Old English
OE
flǣr?
“No direct ancestor of modern flare is securely attested in Old English; the later English word developed through medieval forms influenced by Scandinavian and continental Germanic usage”
Middle English
English
flaren
“to blaze, spread out, or flutter”
15th Century
English
flare
“to burn or blaze up suddenly; to spread outward”
19th Century
English
flare-up
“a sudden burst of flame, anger, or illness symptoms”
Modern English
English
flare-up
“a sudden outburst or recurrence of something intense”