Flare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flare

[flɛr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emergency

A flare is a signal that produces a bright light or intense heat, typically used in emergencies to attract attention.

Synonyms

beacon, flare gun, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flare

Used to describe a sudden burst of light or flame, often for a short period. Commonly used in emergency situations or natural phenomena.

  • The rescue team saw the flare and knew where to find the lost hikers
  • The flare from the explosion lit up the night sky
signal

Used to describe any form of communication or indication meant to convey information. Can be visual, auditory, or even a gesture.

  • The green light is a signal that it is safe to go
  • She waved her hand as a signal to start the project
beacon

Refers to a light or a signal that guides or warns. Often used in contexts of navigation, guidance, or as a metaphor for hope and direction.

  • The lighthouse serves as a beacon for ships during the night
  • Her achievements are a beacon of hope for others
flare gun

A specific type of gun designed to shoot flares into the sky, usually for signaling distress or emergencies.

  • The sailors fired the flare gun to signal for help
  • We keep a flare gun in our emergency kit in the boat

Examples of usage

  • The sailors fired a flare to signal for help.
  • She kept a flare in her backpack in case of emergency.
Context #2 | Verb

emotion

To flare means to suddenly become angry or excited.

Synonyms

erupt, explode, ignite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flare

Used to describe a sudden burst of light, often in the context of emotions or a signal device.

  • Her temper flared when she heard the news.
  • The signal flare was shot into the sky.
erupt

Used when something bursts out suddenly, often for things like volcanoes, conflicts, or emotions.

  • The volcano erupted after lying dormant for years.
  • Laughter erupted in the room.
  • A fight erupted between the two groups.
ignite

Used to describe the process of something catching fire, as well as metaphorically for starting emotions or actions.

  • The dry leaves ignited easily.
  • Her speech ignited passion in the audience.
explode

Used for physical explosions involving loud noise and force, as well as for sudden expressions of anger or emotion.

  • The bomb exploded in the middle of the night.
  • He exploded with rage when he saw the damage.

Examples of usage

  • His temper flared when he heard the news.
  • The argument caused emotions to flare up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In astronomy, a solar flare is a sudden eruption of radiation from the sun’s surface, releasing massive amounts of energy.
  • Flare guns, which launch bright flares into the sky, are crucial in emergency situations to signal distress in remote areas.
  • Chemically, flares often contain compounds that produce bright colors like red or green, making them easy to see from far away.

Pop Culture

  • Flares have appeared in movies, such as 'The Signal,' where they symbolize hope and desperation in a sci-fi setting.
  • In music, 'flare' might refer to dramatic performances meant to capture an audience's attention, reminiscent of theatrical expressions.
  • Fashion also embraced flares with bell-bottoms in the 1970s, demonstrating how the term transcends its original meaning.

Military

  • Flares are often used by military forces to illuminate areas during night operations or to signal aircraft.
  • In warfare, using flares can help indicate troop positions or alert others of a nearby threat without the use of radios.

Mental Health

  • In psychology, a 'flare' can refer to sudden outbursts of emotions or behaviors, especially relating to conditions like ADHD or anxiety.
  • Understanding emotional flares can lead to better coping strategies and improved communication in relationships.

Origin of 'flare'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flare' comes from Middle English 'flaren,' meaning to blaze or burn brightly.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'flara,' which also refers to a bright light or flame.
  • Originally, it described the act of burning with a sudden brightness, emphasizing the suddenness we associate with the term today.

The word 'flare' originated from the Old English word 'flarian' which meant 'to blaze, shine'. The use of 'flare' in the context of a signal or emergency device dates back to the 17th century. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings related to brightness, intensity, and suddenness.


See also: flares.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,105, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.