firebrand

noun

fire·​brand ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand 

1

: a piece of burning wood

2

: one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : agitator

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.

Synonyms

• agitator
• demagogue
• demagog
• exciter
• fomenter
• incendiary
• inciter
• instigator
• kindler
• provocateur
• rabble-rouser

Examples of firebrand in a Sentence

a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts

Recent Examples on the Web

But charges of politicization – and a firebrand senator – doomed the project. —Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2024

The Apprentice explores Donald Trump’s rise to power in 1980s America under the influence of the firebrand rightwing attorney Roy Cohn. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

firebrand

noun

fire·​brand -ˌbrand 

1

: a piece of burning wood

2

: agitator sense 1