firebrand
noun
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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
Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Mar. 2025
The firebrand Houston lawmaker’s colleagues voted 224-198 to hit him with what amounts to a slap on the wrist over his cane-waving interruption of Trump on Tuesday night.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump announced Bongino’s new job three days after the Senate confirmed Kash Patel, another conservative firebrand, to become the new FBI Director.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025
The announcement follows the Senate confirmation of Kash Patel, another Trump loyalist and media firebrand, to lead the FBI.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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firebrand
noun
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