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.

Andrew Jackson, a firebrand advocate for farmers and western settlers, saw adherence to a gold standard as a way to avoid excessive government power. —

Kevin Coldiron, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Trump first chose Gaetz as his attorney general nominee precisely because the firebrand lawmaker would not hesitate to clean house in the Justice Department. —

Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Nov. 2024 The scene: There were council members of past and present, Marion Barry's lieutenants, budget geeks, ghosts of bygone scandals, civil rights firebrands, the city's attorney general. —

Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024 Gaetz, a conservative firebrand in Congress, resigned his seat shortly after. —

Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firebrand