flare
flare /fl'eər/ (flares flaring flared)
1 [N-COUNT]
A flare is a small device that produces a bright flame. Flares are used as signals, for example on ships.
...a ship which had fired a distress flare.
2 [VERB] V
If a fire flares, the flames suddenly become larger.
Camp fires flared like beacons in the dark.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
Flare up means the same as flare.
Don't spill too much fat on the barbecue as it could flare up.
3 [VERB] V
If something such as trouble, violence, or conflict flares, it starts or becomes more violent.
Even as the President appealed for calm, trouble flared in several American cities.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
Flare up means the same as flare.
Dozens of people were injured as fighting flared up.
4 [VERB] V
If people's tempers flare, they get angry.
Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged.
5 [VERB] V, V n
If someone's nostrils flare or if they flare them, their nostrils become wider, often because the person is angry or upset.
I turned to Jacky, my nostrils flaring in disgust...
He stuck out his tongue and flared his nostrils.
6 [VERB] V
If something such as a dress flares, it spreads outwards at one end to form a wide shape.
...a simple black dress, cut to flare from the hips.
7 [N-PLURAL] also a pair of N
Flares are trousers that are very wide at the bottom.
8
see also flaredflare up
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a disease or injury flares up, it suddenly returns or becomes painful again.
Students often find that their acne flares up before and during exams.
see also flare 2, 3, flare-up
1 [N-COUNT]
A flare is a small device that produces a bright flame. Flares are used as signals, for example on ships.
...a ship which had fired a distress flare.
2 [VERB] V
If a fire flares, the flames suddenly become larger.
Camp fires flared like beacons in the dark.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
Flare up means the same as flare.
Don't spill too much fat on the barbecue as it could flare up.
3 [VERB] V
If something such as trouble, violence, or conflict flares, it starts or becomes more violent.
Even as the President appealed for calm, trouble flared in several American cities.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
Flare up means the same as flare.
Dozens of people were injured as fighting flared up.
4 [VERB] V
If people's tempers flare, they get angry.
Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged.
5 [VERB] V, V n
If someone's nostrils flare or if they flare them, their nostrils become wider, often because the person is angry or upset.
I turned to Jacky, my nostrils flaring in disgust...
He stuck out his tongue and flared his nostrils.
6 [VERB] V
If something such as a dress flares, it spreads outwards at one end to form a wide shape.
...a simple black dress, cut to flare from the hips.
7 [N-PLURAL] also a pair of N
Flares are trousers that are very wide at the bottom.
8
see also flaredflare up
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a disease or injury flares up, it suddenly returns or becomes painful again.
Students often find that their acne flares up before and during exams.
see also flare 2, 3, flare-up