1. A piece of burning or glowing wood; a torch or brand.
Usage: literal, often archaic or literary
2. A person who stirs up conflict, rebellion, or violent change; an agitator or revolutionary.
Usage: figurative, common in modern usage

Examples

• The soldiers carried firebrands to light their way through the dark forest.
• The political firebrands called for immediate reform and challenged the government.
• She was known as one of the firebrands of the civil rights movement.
• The protesters were dismissed by critics as mere firebrands seeking attention.
• Medieval guards used firebrands to signal across the castle walls.
• The firebrands in the group pushed for more radical action than others supported.