firebrand
Pronunciation
  • (British) IPA: /ˈfaɪə.bɹænd/
  • (America) IPA: /ˈfaɪɚ.bɹænd/
Noun

firebrand (plural firebrands)

  1. (figurative) An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation.
    Synonyms: radical, revolutionary, troublemaker
    The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.
  2. A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.
    The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed onto the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.
    • 1807, François Rabelais, Mr. Ozell (John), Sir Thomas Urquhart, The Works of Francis Rabelais - Volume 2 - Page 182:
      […] he filled all their throats with it, so that those poor wretches were by it made to cough like foxes, crying, Ha, Pantagruel, how how thou addest greater heat to the firebrand that is in us.
Translations Translations


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