firebrand \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: Middle English firbrond, firbrand, from fir, fire + brond, brand — more at fire, brand 1.: a piece of burning wood 2.: a person who creates unrest, disaffection, or strife by noisy or violent agitation : troublemaker, hothead, agitator, incendiary < far from being considered firebrands, young people of today are accused of being too quiet — Harper's > < a political firebrand >