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.
Examples of firebrand in a Sentence
Nik Popli, Time, 1 May 2025
For me, one of those was a photo of comedian Bill Maher—longtime liberal firebrand—having dinner with President Donald Trump, a figure he’s relentlessly criticized for years.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
But González is closely tied to former populist firebrand Rafael Correa, who ran Ecuador for 10 years.
—Carrie Kahn, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
In contrast to Poilievre's populist firebrand style, Carney has emphasized stability, sovereignty, and diplomacy—without backing down.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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firebrand
noun
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