flare

[[t]fle͟ə(r)[/t]]

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 If a fire flares, the flames suddenly become larger.

Camp fires flared like beacons in the dark.

PHRASAL VERB

Flare up means the same as flare.

V P Don't spill too much fat on the barbecue as it could flare up.

3) VERB 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

Flare up means the same as flare.

V P Dozens of people were injured as fighting flared up.

4) VERB If people's tempers flare, they get angry.

Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged.

5) V-ERG 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...

[V n] He stuck out his tongue and flared his nostrils.

6) VERB 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 flared

Phrasal Verbs:

- flare up