firebrand

noun

fire·brand ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand How to pronounce firebrand (audio)

: 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.

Example Sentences

a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts

Recent Examples on the Web Grayson, who had a reputation as a liberal firebrand, left Congress in 2017 after losing a 2016 Senate primary to former Rep. Patrick Murphy.

Ben Kamisar, NBC News, 23 Aug. 2022 Rokita is known as a socially conservative firebrand, unafraid to clash with those who are more moderate within his own party, including Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 14 July 2022 Neidert has previously used social media to bolster her reputation as an ultra-conservative firebrand on campus.

Michael Murney, Chron, 28 June 2022 Mickelson, with a reputation as a golf firebrand, might relish a court challenge to the PGA Tour’s right to ban him.

Bill Pennington, New York Times, 6 June 2022 The moves, however, have not prevented the rise of far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has united a group of leftist parties to run as a single coalition in the parliamentary races.

Eric Sylvers, WSJ, 18 June 2022 But the new leftist alliance — forged under the leadership of longtime leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon — is now trying to bridge those gaps, uniting Mélenchon’s own France Unbowed Party with the Socialists, Communists and Greens.

BostonGlobe.com, 12 June 2022 But the new leftist alliance — forged under the leadership of the longtime leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon — is now trying to bridge those gaps, uniting Mr. Mélenchon’s own France Unbowed Party with the Socialists, Communists and Greens.

New York Times, 11 June 2022 Far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon is among other prominent figures vying to take the presidential Elysee.

Thomas Adamson, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2022 See More

单词	firebrand
释义	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 See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts Recent Examples on the Web Grayson, who had a reputation as a liberal firebrand, left Congress in 2017 after losing a 2016 Senate primary to former Rep. Patrick Murphy. Ben Kamisar, NBC News, 23 Aug. 2022 Rokita is known as a socially conservative firebrand, unafraid to clash with those who are more moderate within his own party, including Gov. Eric Holcomb. Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 14 July 2022 Neidert has previously used social media to bolster her reputation as an ultra-conservative firebrand on campus. Michael Murney, Chron, 28 June 2022 Mickelson, with a reputation as a golf firebrand, might relish a court challenge to the PGA Tour’s right to ban him. Bill Pennington, New York Times, 6 June 2022 The moves, however, have not prevented the rise of far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has united a group of leftist parties to run as a single coalition in the parliamentary races. Eric Sylvers, WSJ, 18 June 2022 But the new leftist alliance — forged under the leadership of longtime leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon — is now trying to bridge those gaps, uniting Mélenchon’s own France Unbowed Party with the Socialists, Communists and Greens. BostonGlobe.com, 12 June 2022 But the new leftist alliance — forged under the leadership of the longtime leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon — is now trying to bridge those gaps, uniting Mr. Mélenchon’s own France Unbowed Party with the Socialists, Communists and Greens. New York Times, 11 June 2022 Far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon is among other prominent figures vying to take the presidential Elysee. Thomas Adamson, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2022 See More Word History First Known Use 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 firebrand noun as in rebel a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance rebel agitator demagogue provocateur insurgent protester proponent supporter rabble-rouser reformer promoter advocate apostle incendiary inciter instigator demonstrator revolutionary fomenter kindler demagog exciter radical reformist champion troublemaker extremist protestor picketer revolutionist exponent insurrectionist subversive marcher booster alarmist objector provoker persuader prodder backer prompter revolter agent provocateur Antonyms & Near Antonyms peacemaker reconciler uniter
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firebrand

noun

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Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

noun