Blaze up Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literal Fire Use 'blaze up' to describe when something combusts vigorously, often unexpectedly. Dry leaves piled up and suddenly blazed up in the backyard. Pro Tip 2/3Intensity Increase 'Blaze up' indicates a rapid growth in the intensity or brightness of a fire. At dusk, the campfire blazed up, shadowing our faces. Pro Tip 3/3Danger Implied The phrase can suggest potential danger or the need for caution when something blazes up. The bonfire blazed up unexpectedly, causing us to step back.