firebrand

play

noun fire·brand \-ˌbrand\

Simple Definition of firebrand

: a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of firebrand

1 : a piece of burning wood
2 : one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : agitator

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Examples of firebrand in a sentence

<a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts>

Did You Know?

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.

13th Century