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a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firebrand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
14th century
agitator, demagogue (also demagog), exciter, fomenter, incendiary, inciter, instigator, kindler, provocateur, rabble-rouser;
demonstrator, marcher, objector, picketer, protester (or protestor);
advocate, apostle, backer, booster, champion, exponent, persuader, promoter, proponent, reformer, reformist, supporter;
alarmist, extremist, insurgent, insurrectionist, radical, rebel, revolter, revolutionary, revolutionist, subversive, troublemaker;
: a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause
See words that rhyme with firebrand Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for firebrand Nglish: Translation of firebrand for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of firebrand for Arabic speakers
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