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.
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Examples of firebrand in a Sentence
Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 27 June 2024
The Republican firebrand currently represents the neighboring 3rd District in Colorado, which encompasses much of the western part of the state.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024
On Wednesday, Jordan Bardella, the far-right firebrand hoping to score big wins for his National Rally party in the upcoming elections, pledged to tackle antisemitism if elected in three weeks’ time.
—Niamh Kennedy, CNN, 20 June 2024
When, at the start of this month, he was questioned by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene insisted upon addressing him as Mr. Fauci, rather than Dr. Fauci.
—Jerome Groopman, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024
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“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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firebrand
noun
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