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

This was evident during last year’s Dutch elections, in which the far-right firebrand Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party won the largest share of votes, including 17% of voters aged 18 to 34 (up from 7%). —Yasmeen Serhan, TIME, 18 June 2024

There had been concern in some quarters that the ANC could do a deal with the Economic Freedom Fighters, a Marxist-Leninist party led by firebrand Julius Malema. —Kate Bartlett, NPR, 14 June 2024

That has left an opening for Nigel Farage, the populist firebrand who leads Reform. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 12 June 2024

Reuven Kahane has also been identified as a cousin of the firebrand rabbi in past media reports through the decades. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 May 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