26984 words

flare

14 definitions • 24 examples
1
to burn brightly either for a short time or not regularly:

Examples:

flare up The flame above the oil well flared up into the dark sky.
New fires flared and people were told to leave their homes.
2
When something bad such as violence, pain, or anger flares (up), it suddenly starts or gets much worse:

Examples:

Violence flared up again last night.
temper flares Tempers flared after a three-hour delay at the Airport yesterday.
3
to (cause to) become wider:

Examples:

The horse's nostrils flared.
He flared his nostrils in rage.
The skirt fits tightly over the hips and flares just below the knees.
4
a sudden increase in the brightness of a fire:

Examples:

There was a sudden flare when she threw the petrol onto the fire.
5
a very bright light or coloured smoke that can be used as a signal, or a device that produces this:

Examples:

We set off a flare to help guide our rescuers.
Every agent is given a pack with rations, signal flares, and a first-aid kit.
6
trousers that get wider below the knee:

Examples:

He grew his hair long and started to wear flares.
7
the fact of something, especially clothing, becoming wider at one end:

Examples:

This skirt has a definite flare.
8
in American football, a short throw to a back who is running towards the sideline:

Examples:

Under pressure, he threw a flare to Wilson that lost three yards.
He caught a flare pass from Merino and managed to make seven yards.
9
in baseball, a ball that is hit a short distance through the air into the outfield:

Examples:

Pitch him away and he gets his little flares and infield hits.
Jones hit a flare to right that fell just inside the line.
10
in gymnastics, a movement in which the gymnast balances on their hands and moves their legs wide apart in a circular movement:

Examples:

It was an immaculate performance, full of crowd-pleasing flares and eye-catching manoeuvres.
The American lost his rhythm on a flare sequence and finished sixth.
11
to burn brightly either for a short time or on and off:

Examples:

The candle flared then went out.
12
to become wider, or to make something wider:

Examples:

[ I ] These trousers flare slightly at the ankle.
13
to happen in a sudden and often violent way:

Examples:

The dispute threatens to flare into a lawsuit.
The argument quieted down then flared up again.
14
something that produces a flame or bright light and is usually used as a signal, or the flame or light itself:

Examples:

The boat is equipped with flares.
Did you see that flare?

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