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

The speaker is currently facing an ouster threat from conservative firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and has also drawn the ire of other ultraconservatives in the House. —David Jackson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

Murray was - and still is - a full throttle firebrand. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 28 Mar. 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