firebrand

noun

fire·brand ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand

Synonyms of firebrand next

: a piece of burning wood

: 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.

Examples of firebrand in a Sentence

a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

House Republican leader, Newt Gingrich, led a rebellion against the package, and conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan challenged Bush in the 1992 primaries, weakening Bush's bid for a second term. —

Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024 By Brian Bennett December 5, 2024 12:08 PM EST Kash Patel wasn’t always a firebrand. —

Brian Bennett, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024 Now, the former prosecutor and conservative firebrand’s political career hangs by a thread, with an impeachment motion against him underway and the country’s leader rapidly losing support even within his own ruling party. —

Helen Regan, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Matt Gaetz was an inspired pick for attorney general, but some of the Republican senators simply couldn't let a firebrand do what the American people wanted. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firebrand