- 1[intransitive] to burn brightly, but usually for only a short time or not steadily The match flared and went out. The fire flared into life. (figurative) Color flared in her cheeks. His dark eyes flared angrily.
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- 2[intransitive] flare (up) (especially of anger and violence) to suddenly start or become much stronger synonym erupt Violence flared when the police moved in. Tempers flared toward the end of the meeting. related noun flare-up
- 3[transitive, intransitive] (+ speech) to say something in an angry and aggressive way “You should have told me!” she flared at him.
- 4[intransitive] (of clothes) to become wider toward the bottom The sleeves are tight to the elbow, then flare out.
- 5[transitive, intransitive] flare (something) if a person or an animal flares their nostrils (= the openings at the end of the nose) or if their nostrils flare, their nostrils become wider, especially as a sign of anger The horse backed away, its nostrils flaring with fear. Phrasal Verbsflare up
flare
verbNAmE//flɛr//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they flare he / she / it flares
past simple flared
-ing form flaring
Check pronunciation: flare