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
Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
French former Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, who gave France its 35-hour work week and then withdrew from politics after leading France’s Socialist Party to an earth-shaking presidential election defeat against far-right firebrand Jean-Marie Le Pen, has died.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
An angry deity hurled a firebrand at the swallow, singeing away its middle tail feathers.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Continue reading … VETTING FAILURE — Far-left firebrand dodges questions over hiring bodyguard with criminal history.
—FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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firebrand
noun
