blaze up
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
For a fire to suddenly get much bigger and brighter, OR for a feeling like anger to suddenly explode.
Literal meaning: To blaze (burn brightly) upward — relatively transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
Of a fire: to suddenly burn much more intensely and brightly.
"A gust of wind hit the campfire and it blazed up, sending sparks into the trees."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
Of a person or conflict: to suddenly become very angry or intense.
"He blazed up when he heard the false accusation, slamming his hand on the table."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Both the literal (fire) and figurative (emotions, conflict) senses are in common use. Often describes a sudden escalation rather than a slow increase. More common in British English. Very close to 'flare up' in both senses; the two are often interchangeable.
Commonly used with
fire anger conflict temper flames violence
Forms
Base
blaze up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blazes up
he/she/it
Past simple
blazed up
yesterday
Past participle
blazed up
have + pp
-ing form
blazing up
continuous
Understand "blaze up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "blaze up" on Looplines