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

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The conservative media firebrand, a leading MAGA voice, has already noted his dissent against Trump's alignment with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — but the president-elect has seemingly sided with the world's richest man. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 19 Jan. 2025 The firebrand governor rose to prominence during COVID-19. —

Luke Barr, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025 In the first days of last week’s firestorm, crews were on the defensive as extreme winds blew red-hot firebrand and embers across the landscape, starting fires faster than they could be put out. —

Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Political moderates have the power to push aside and make irrelevant the firebrands. —

Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for firebrand