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firebrand

noun
fire·​brand | \ ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand How to pronounce firebrand (audio) \

Definition of firebrand

1 : a piece of burning wood
2 : one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : agitator
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about firebrand

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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

 That is, if one of the progressive firebrands dropped out, the other would take those suddenly unmoored voters and catapult past the centrist former vice president. — oregonlive.com, "Are Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren really in a dead heat? It’s complicated," 27 Aug. 2019 The two firebrands could have some like-minded candidates on Wednesday’s debate stage who believe Biden’s plans to improve the Affordable Care Act and introduce new climate protections do not go far enough. — Jennifer Epstein, Fortune, "Joe Biden Stakes Out Centrist Position on Immigration, Asylum Policy During Democratic Debate," 31 July 2019 According to him, firebrand imams stoked fervour for jihad. — The Economist, "Confessions of an Islamic State fighter," 16 Aug. 2019 He is considered close to Bjoern Hoecke, Alternative for Germany’s firebrand leader in Thuringia state. — Washington Post, "Top of the polls, German politician downplays far-right past," 13 Aug. 2019 Pro-Brexit firebrand Boris Johnson is the favorite to win the job. — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things to know for July 23: Budget agreement, UK leader, malaria," 23 July 2019 Klobuchar is up against many of her Senate colleagues, including firebrands like Sens. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "Amy Klobuchar’s 2020 presidential campaign and policy positions, explained," 26 June 2019 In 2014, Senator Thad Cochran, a six-term incumbent and one of the state’s oldest and most powerful Republicans, survived a bitter primary fight against Chris McDaniel, a Tea Party firebrand. — Bob Moser, The New Yorker, "Mississippi’s Race for Governor Tests the Limits of Conservatism," 2 Aug. 2019 In Paradise, a blizzard of firebrands inundated the town, setting off an estimated 400 spot fires, landing on unkempt yards, roofs and gutters full of dead leaves. — AZCentral.com, "Of small communities across 11 states, more than 500 have a higher wildfire hazard potential than Paradise, Calif.," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firebrand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of firebrand

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for firebrand

firebrand

noun
How to pronounce firebrand (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of firebrand

: a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause

See the full definition for firebrand in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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