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

Entwined in the lives and strange practices of the cultists and their firebrand leader, Malcolm Howe (Michael Sheen), Thomas soon realizes the god being worshipped isn't the one from his own lost scripture. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 6 July 2024

Tom Cotton By George Russell/USA TODAY Network PROS: Cotton is an outspoken firebrand who can relate to and mobilize the MAGA base. —Javier Zarracina, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024

Bill Maher stumped tonight on Real Time for the U.S. release of The Apprentice, the Cannes Competition title starring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump and Emmy-winner Jeremy Strong as Trump’s onetime firebrand lawyer, Roy Cohn. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 21 June 2024

Thirty minutes before the hearing, Republican Assemblyman and right-wing firebrand Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, led an event outside the Capitol with Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and parents’ rights activists, including Shaw. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 27 June 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