firebrand
noun
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The original firebrands were incendiary indeed; they were pieces of wood set burning at the fire, perhaps for use as a light or a weapon. English speakers started brandishing those literal firebrands as long ago as the 13th century. (Robinson Crusoe held one high as he rushed into a cave on his deserted island and saw by the light of the firebrand . . . lying on the ground a monstrous, frightful old he-goat.) But the burning embers of the wooden firebrand quickly sparked figurative uses for the term, too. By the early 14th century, firebrand was also being used for one doomed to burn in hell, and by 1382, English writers were using it for anyone who kindled mischief or inflamed passions.
Synonyms of firebrand
Examples of firebrand in a Sentence
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Many commentators viewed Gaetz as a firebrand who was temperamentally unsuited for that position.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli firebrand minister of national security who spearheaded the push for the legislation, described the law as long overdue and a sign of strength and national pride.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Last year, Dusty Deevers, a right-wing firebrand known for trying to ban no-fault divorce, introduced legislation that would allow government employees to be paid in bitcoin.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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firebrand
noun
