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firebrand

[ fahyuh r-brand ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌbrænd /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR firebrand ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a piece of burning wood or other material.

a person who kindles strife or encourages unrest; an agitator; troublemaker.

Origin of firebrand

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at fire, brand

Words nearby firebrand

firebird, the, fireboard, fireboat, firebomb, firebox, firebrand, firebrat, firebreak, firebrick, firebug, firebush

Example sentences from the Web for firebrand

In it, the firebrand Republican senator from Texas is depicted as a kid-friendly “passionate fighter for limited government.”

Ted Cruz saves America in This Right-Wing Coloring Book |Asawin Suebsaeng |November 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The Texas firebrand made a name for himself by going after more moderate Republicans.

Ted Cruz Quits Screwing With the GOP |Patricia Murphy |October 16, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
But with the 2016 presidential season on the horizon, the Texas firebrand has subtly changed his tune over the last six months.

Ted Cruz Quits Screwing With the GOP |Patricia Murphy |October 16, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
But he seemed on first encounter to be very gray, more a forgettable clerk than a firebrand cleric.

Why Pope Francis Wants to Declare Murdered Archbishop Romero a Saint |Christopher Dickey |August 24, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

The firebrand union president, Karen Lewis, may run against Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Could Rahm Lose to This Infamous Union Leader? |Kathleen Geier |July 3, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
There was too much at stake with a firebrand like Evan to deal with.

The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush |Francis Lynde
“Be careful to sheer off quickly after exploding,” said the captain to Firebrand quietly.

In the Track of the Troops |R.M. Ballantyne
This seemed to disturb the bear, whereupon he boldly 181 threw a firebrand at him.

Indian Scout Talks |Charles A. Eastman
He is so quiet nowadays, though he used to be a firebrand, that one forgets him.

Rose Charlitte |Marshall Saunders
At the hurling of this firebrand, three of the five department heads drew their pay-envelopes and went away.

The Price |Francis Lynde

British Dictionary definitions for firebrand

firebrand

/ (ˈfaɪəˌbrænd) /

noun

a piece of burning or glowing wood or other material

a person who causes unrest or is very energetic