firebrand

plural firebrands

1. 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.

   2 more examples

   […] 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.

   1807, François Rabelais, Mr. Ozell (John), Sir Thomas Urquhart, The Works of Francis Rabelais - Volume 2 - Page 182

   He that is inebriated with passion is unfit for any action; like Samson's foxes, he scattereth firebrands abroad, to the hurt of all that are near him.

   1868, George Swinnock, Works - Volume 2 - Page 212

2. figurativelyAn argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.

   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 more examples

   At the same time, Mr. Irons said, it is important to separate “this very valiant and completely kosher and clean repository of public material, which we perfectly endorse, and this kind of firebrand ‘We want to show the publishers they’re wrong’ kind of attitude.”

   2011 February 22, Daniel J. Wakin, “Free Trove of Music Scores on Web Hits Sensitive Copyright Note”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 05 Aug 2020

   Both Malcolm and King were firebrands. And both were disciplined organisers of people. Malcolm was able to channel the anger of a crowd into action, but then to ensure they did not descend into violence.

   2015 February 20, Jesse Jackson, “In the Ferguson era, Malcolm X’s courage in fighting racism inspires more than ever”, in The Guardian (London), archived from the original on 27 Nov 2020

   Synonyms: radical, revolutionary, troublemaker