发作 fāzuò to flare up
to flare up; to break out
How to remember 发作: 发 send out + 作 do = to flare up.
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How it is used
- 'To flare up / break out' - of an illness, condition, or temper: 心脏病发作 (xīnzàngbìng fāzuò) a heart attack, 老毛病又发作了 the old ailment flared up again.
- Also of emotions bursting out: 当场发作 (dāngchǎng fāzuò) to blow up on the spot. Marks a sudden onset/eruption of something latent.