firebrand

American  

[fahyuhr-brand] / ˈfaɪərˌbrænd /

noun

1. a piece of burning wood or other material.

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

---

firebrand British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌbrænd /

noun

1. a piece of burning or glowing wood or other material

2. a person who causes unrest or is very energetic

---

Etymology

Origin of firebrand

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

Example Sentences

In a move that foreshadowed Parton’s future as a feminist firebrand of her time, she contracted a lawyer and found a room for her daughters and herself in the Marlboro Hotel in Boston.

From The Wall Street Journal

Relatively unknown outside his own country at the time, Lee had a reputation as a firebrand who was sympathetic to socialist economic causes.

From BBC

As the original firebrands age, a new generation looks to tinker with the system, loosen its ideological strictures, and even reanimate a national compact.

From The Wall Street Journal

He later became one of the firebrand’s most loyal lieutenants.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Free our president," read a placard held by a man with a red flannel shirt which bore the image of Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez.

From Barron's