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.

Underscoring the state's competitiveness, firebrand GOP Sen. Ron Johnson was reelected in 2022 by about 26,000 votes, while in 2023, liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz won a seat on the state Supreme Court over conservative judge Dan Kelly by a whopping 11 points. —

Abc News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 The other side: Boebert remains a firebrand conservative and she's aligned herself closely with former President Trump. —

John Frank, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 That led to a public X spat between Loomer and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), herself a firebrand figure on the right. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024 The letter includes signatories from both parties, stretching across the ideological spectrum from firebrand Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) to left-wing Democrats such as Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL). —

Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firebrand