flare

/fleə/

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The word "flare" can be both a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Let's break it down:

Noun Meanings:

1. In Baseball:

   • Definition: A "flare" is a type of fly ball that is hit a short distance into the outfield.
   • Example: "He hit a flare to the left field, and the outfielder had to run quickly to catch it."

2. In Sports:

   • Definition: It can also refer to a short forward pass to a player running toward the sidelines.
   • Example: "The quarterback threw a flare to the running back, who was open on the side."

3. Warning Device:

   • Definition: A "flare" is a device that produces a bright light to warn, illuminate, or identify something.
   • Example: "The boat used a flare to signal for help."

4. Sudden Emotion:

   • Definition: A sudden outburst of emotion, like anger or joy.
   • Example: "She felt a flare of delight when she heard the good news."

5. Medical Terms:

   • Definition: It can describe a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms, such as in health issues.
   • Example: "The patient experienced a flare of pain after the treatment."

6. Optical Terms:

   • Definition: An unwanted reflection in an optical system, which can fog an image.
   • Example: "The camera lens had a flare that ruined the photograph."

7. Astronomy:

   • Definition: A sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface.
   • Example: "The solar flare caused radio interference on Earth."

8. Shape:

   • Definition: A shape that spreads outward.
   • Example: "The skirt had a wide flare at the bottom."

Verb Meanings:

1. To Erupt or Intensify:

   • Definition: To burst out suddenly or to become more intense.
   • Example: "Tempers flared during the heated debate."

2. To Shine Brightly:

   • Definition: To emit a sudden bright light.
   • Example: "The fireworks flared in the night sky."

3. To Widen:

   • Definition: To become wider, usually at one end.
   • Example: "The pants flare out at the bottom."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "flare" as a noun when referring to the specific contexts mentioned above (baseball, emotions, warnings, etc.).
• Use "flare" as a verb when describing an action, especially when something suddenly increases in intensity or brightness.

Advanced Usage:

• In medical contexts, "flare" is often used to describe conditions like arthritis or lupus, where symptoms can suddenly worsen.
• In environmental science, one might discuss "flares" in relation to gas emissions.

Variants:

• Flared (adjective): Describes something that has widened at one end, like flared jeans.
• Flaring (verb): The present participle form of "flare."

Synonyms:

• Noun: Burst, explosion, outburst, signal (for warning flares).
• Verb: Erupt, ignite, shine, widen.

Idioms:

• "Flare up": This means to suddenly become more intense, often used in reference to anger or inflammation.
  • Example: "The argument flared up again after a few minutes of silence."

Phrasal Verbs:

• "Flare out": To widen or spread out.

Academic

Noun

1. (baseball) a fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield
2. a short forward pass to a back who is running toward the sidelines
   • he threw a flare to the fullback who was tackled for a loss
3. a device that produces a bright light for warning or illumination or identification
4. a sudden outburst of emotion
   • she felt a flare of delight
   • she could not control her flare of rage
5. am unwanted reflection in an optical system (or the fogging of an image that is caused by such a reflection)
6. a sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface; associated with sunspots and radio interference
7. a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms
   • a colitis flare
   • infection can cause a lupus flare
8. reddening of the skin spreading outward from a focus of infection or irritation
9. a burst of light used to communicate or illuminate
10. a sudden burst of flame
11. a shape that spreads outward
    • the skirt had a wide flare

Verb

1. erupt or intensify suddenly
   • Unrest erupted in the country
   • Tempers flared at the meeting
   • The crowd irrupted into a burst of patriotism
2. shine with a sudden light
   • The night sky flared with the massive bombardment
3. become flared and widen, usually at one end
   • The bellbottom pants flare out
4. burn brightly
   • Every star seemed to flare with new intensity

Synonyms

• flare pass
• solar flare
• flash
• flair
• erupt
• irrupt
• flare up
• break open
• burst out
• flame
• flare out
• flame up
• blaze up
• burn up