flare

A device that burns with a bright light to send a signal or show an area in darkness.

• They lit a red flare.
• The sailors fired flares to attract the helicopter.
• Keep an emergency flare in the boat.

Similar words: signal light

Common phrases: distress flare, light a flare, fire a flare

A sudden bright flame or burst of burning light.

• A flare lit up the dark room.
• There was a sudden flare as the gas caught fire.
• We saw bright flares above the furnace.

Similar words: blaze, burst of flame

Common phrases: bright flare, sudden flare

A part that gradually becomes wider toward one end.

• The skirt has a slight flare.
• I like the flare at the bottom of these trousers.
• The designer added a gentle flare to each sleeve.

Common phrases: slight flare, flare at the bottom

To suddenly become very angry.

• Her temper flared without warning.
• He flared up when they laughed at him.
• Why do you flare up over small mistakes?

How to use it: flare up at someone (He flared up at me when I mentioned the bill.)

Similar words: get angry, lose your temper

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: flare up, flare at someone

To become wider or open outward, or make something do this.

• The skirt flares at the bottom.
• His nostrils flared as he breathed heavily.
• The designer made the sleeves flare outward.

How to use it: flare out (The sleeves flare out at the wrists.)

Similar words: widen, spread

Opposites: narrow

Common phrases: flare outward, flare at the bottom, flare your nostrils

To burn with a sudden bright light.

• The fire flared in the wind.
• A match flared briefly in the darkness.
• The flames flared up when he added dry wood.

Similar words: blaze

Common phrases: flare up, flare brightly

To bring an aircraft into level flight just before its wheels touch the ground.

• The pilot began to flare.
• She flared the aircraft just above the runway.
• If you flare too early, the plane may rise again.

Common phrases: flare the aircraft, flare before landing