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 of firebrand

• rebel
• agitator
• proponent
• demagogue
• supporter
• promoter
• insurgent
• provocateur
• protester
• apostle
• advocate
• demonstrator
• instigator
• reformer
• rabble-rouser

Examples of firebrand in a Sentence

a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts

Recent Examples on the Web

The most glaring is the contrast between majoritarian consensus builders on one hand and the party's firebrands on the left. — Ron Elving, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Home video footage and old clips from his television panel appearances paint Odeh as more of an egghead than a firebrand. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2026

The ultra-nationalist party is led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right firebrand once deemed too extreme to serve in Israel’s military. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Cruz, a conservative firebrand, is trying to rally the party’s base in a year where Republicans fear many of their voters will stay home. — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for firebrand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• hinterland
• motherland
• narrowband

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Kids Definition

firebrand

noun

fire·​brand -ˌbrand 

1

: a piece of burning wood

2

: agitator sense 1