Firebrand
/ˈfaɪrˌbrænd/noun
A burning piece of wood or a person who stirs up conflict or passionate action.
Did you know?The political sense comes from the image of a live coal or blazing stick flung into a crowd: one small spark, and suddenly everything is on fire.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
fyrbrand
“A burning piece of wood or torch”
Old English
OE
brand
“A burning piece of wood, firebrand, or sword-blade”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
brandaz
“A burning piece of wood; something that burns”
Modern English
English
firebrand
“A burning stick; later, a person who causes unrest or excitement”