flaring up
Intensifying without warning
Flaring up describes a sudden intensification or recurrence of something unpleasant.
Medical conditions flare up when symptoms return or worsen after a period of calm: My arthritis is flaring up again.
Conflicts and tensions flare up when they suddenly become more intense or violent.
The expression derives from the behavior of flames, which can suddenly leap higher and burn more intensely.
- burstBreak apart suddenly
- exacerbationMaking something more severe
- recrudescenceReturn after dormancy
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- eruptBurst out suddenly
getting worse · blowing up · ignition · escalation · inflammation · swelling · reactivation · redness · spike · combustion · resurgence · rash · rage · blaze · heating up · fury · intensification · crescendo
flaring updying down
Decreasing in force
subsiding · abating · diminishing · fading · tapering off
flaring upcalming down
Becoming less agitated
cooling off · settling down · quieting down · relaxing · mellowing