发作 (fā zuò) — to flare up (of illness, temper); to break out (of problem, conflict, crisis)

Definition

发作 focuses on something negative that suddenly starts or returns — an illness, temper, or crisis acting up. Unlike 发生 ('happen' in general) or 爆发 (large-scale events erupting), 发作 is for a flare-up of something already present.

verb
to flare up (of illness, temper)to break out (of problem, conflict, crisis)

Examples

  • 发作
    Tā de xīn zàng bìng yòu fā zuò le.
    His heart condition flared up again.
  • 发作
    Bú yào ràng huài qíng xù fā zuò chū lái.
    Don't let bad emotions flare up.
  • 发作
    Wēi jī suí shí kě néng fā zuò.
    The crisis could break out at any time.

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