fire-brand

A camper carefully adds a fire-brand to the campfire.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of burning wood: "fire-brand" refers to a piece of wood that is on fire or smoldering, often used as a torch or source of flame.
   • A person who stirs up trouble or conflict: "fire-brand" also describes an individual who deliberately incites unrest, rebellion, or strong emotions in others, often through provocative speech or actions.

Usage Examples

• A piece of burning wood:

  • He carried a fire-brand to light the way through the dark forest. (A burning piece of wood used as a torch.)
  • The campfire left a few fire-brands glowing in the ashes. (Smoldering pieces of wood remaining after the fire.)

• A person who stirs up trouble:

  • She was a political fire-brand who urged the crowd to protest. (A person who incites strong political action.)
  • The journalist was known as a fire-brand, always criticizing the government. (An individual who provokes conflict or controversy.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a fire-brand": to be a person who is passionate and provocative, often causing division.

  • His fiery speeches made him a fire-brand among the students. (He was seen as an agitator or catalyst for change.)

• "to carry a fire-brand": literally, to hold a burning piece of wood; metaphorically, to be a source of agitation.

  • She carried a fire-brand of rebellion wherever she went. (She spread unrest or revolutionary ideas.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firebrand (n): the standard spelling; same meaning as above.

  • The firebrand ignited the crowd with his words. (The agitator provoked the audience.)

• Firebrandish (adj): characteristic of a fire-brand; provocative or incendiary.

  • His firebrandish remarks angered the opposition. (His comments were deliberately inflammatory.)

• Firebrandry (n): the act or quality of being a fire-brand; incitement.

  • The politician's firebrandry led to a heated debate. (His tendency to provoke conflict.)

Synonyms

• Agitator: a person who urges others to protest or rebel.
• Incendiary: a person who deliberately causes conflict or fire.
• Torch: a burning piece of wood used for light (literal sense only).

Related Idioms

• "a fire-brand of revolution": a person or thing that sparks a major change or uprising.

  • The pamphlet was a fire-brand of revolution in the colony. (It incited rebellion.)

• "to throw a fire-brand into a crowd": to say or do something that causes sudden conflict or excitement.

  • His accusation was like throwing a fire-brand into the peaceful meeting. (It caused chaos and anger.)

Phrasal Verbs (with "fire-brand")

• Fire-brand about: to spread provocative ideas or agitation.
  • He fire-branded about injustice until the people rose up. (He incited unrest by speaking passionately.)