firebrand

/ˈfaɪəbrænd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfaɪərbrænd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand/ (ame, mw)

firebrand — noun

  • firebrandsingular
  • firebrandsplural

1. a fiercely outspoken person who pushes other people toward rebellious political

1.名詞C2
釋義

a fiercely outspoken person who pushes other people toward rebellious political or social action

例句

Talia became the party's firebrand after demanding rent caps at every rally.

pattern: become the party's firebrand

Quan praised the young firebrand who kept asking why the mayor ignored flood victims.

同義詞
  • agitator

    stresses stirring people into protest or conflict, often with a more negative tone

  • rabble-rouser

    more informal and crowd-focused, especially when exciting a group into anger

  • radical

    focuses on extreme political views rather than fiery public style

  • demagogue

    much harsher; implies dishonest emotional manipulation for power

反義詞
  • moderate

    suggests a more cautious and less confrontational public stance

  • peacemaker

    focuses on calming conflict rather than inflaming it

文法句型

a political/social firebrand

call/label + someone + a firebrand

用法筆記

Usually used in political, activist, or union settings. It often appears in labels from supporters or critics, so the tone can be admiring or disapproving depending on who is speaking.

常見錯誤

❌Élise is a firebrand because she complains about homework.
✅Élise is outspoken because she complains about homework.
💡'firebrand' suggests stirring other people toward conflict or action, not simply speaking loudly.
❌Darius is a firebrand at work because he finishes every task fast.
✅Darius is energetic at work because he finishes every task fast.
💡the word is about provocative activism or rebellion, not simple energy.

2. a burning stick or wooden chunk used to carry flame or ignite something nearby

2.名詞C2
釋義

a burning stick or wooden chunk used to carry flame or ignite something nearby

例句

Baraka picked up a firebrand from the campfire to light the lantern wick.

typical use: carry flame from one fire to another

The wind blew a firebrand onto the dry fence, and the farmer ran for water.

pattern: a firebrand can ignite nearby objects

同義詞
  • ember

    usually smaller and more about a glowing fragment than a burning stick

  • torch

    a made-for-lighting object; more controlled and deliberate than a firebrand

文法句型

pick up/carry a firebrand

a firebrand + starts/ignites [something]

用法筆記

Now mostly seen in historical writing, fire reports, or elevated description. It usually refers to a loose burning piece that can be moved or blown away, not a carefully made torch.

常見錯誤

❌Ritu carried a firebrand through the cave all night.
✅Ritu carried a torch through the cave all night.
💡'firebrand' is a loose burning stick, not the usual word for a prepared torch.
❌The fireplace was full of firebrands after dinner.
✅The fireplace was full of burning logs after dinner.
💡the word usually points to one burning piece, often one that can be moved or blown away.