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

Such questions come after the Daily Mail and other outlets have reported in recent weeks that friends and members of the Trump family have become wary of Anderson, who began a romance with Trump Jr. last year when he was still engaged to MAGA firebrand Kimberly Guilfoyle. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025

Underscoring the populist-friendly tone of the new administration, expected inaugural attendees include Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British firebrand politician Nigel Farage. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Flying firebrands whipped into the face of Robert Robledo, a 45-year-old engine captain for the Forest Service who was battling the Eaton blaze. —Jonathan Wolfe, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

For his part, Mark S. had begun a romance with his firebrand coworker Helly R. (Britt Lower). —Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

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