flame up

Burst into fire

Flame up means to suddenly burst into flames or burn more intensely: The fire flamed up when she added kindling.

Figuratively, it describes emotions or conflicts that intensify abruptly: Tensions flamed up between the two factions.

The phrase suggests a quick, dramatic increase rather than gradual escalation.

combustion

ignite

Start burning something

  • blazeIntense burning fire
  • burnDamage by heat
  • fireCombustion with flames

kindle · spark · flare · catch fire · conflagration · inferno · oxidation · fuel · heat · smolder

passion

ardor

Intense emotional warmth

  • desireIntense wanting
  • fervorIntense emotional intensity
  • heatTransferred thermal energy

spark · kindle · burn · intensity · longing · yearning · infatuation · lust · romance · zeal

intensify

escalate

Increase in severity

worsen · exacerbate · aggravate · spike · increase · flare · mount · swell · redouble · compound

anger

rage

Intense, violent anger

ire · wrath · indignation · resentment · exasperation · irritation · annoyance · hostility · animosity · agitation

conflict

argument

Reasoned case or dispute

clash · altercation · confrontation · heated exchange · flare-up · tension · discord · strife · friction · antagonism

Opposites
intensity of combustion

flame updie out

Cease to exist entirely

go out · extinguish · die down · burn out · smolder

emotional intensity (metaphorical)

flame upcalm down

Become less agitated

cool off · simmer down · die down · subside · settle down

Family

flame, flaming, flames, inflamed, inflammation, inflammable, inflammatory, flamed, inflaming

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG