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Firebrand vs Firestarter - What's the difference?

firebrand | firestarter |

As nouns the difference between firebrand and firestarter

is that firebrand is an argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation while firestarter is one who starts fires.

firebrand

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation.
    • 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.
  • * {{quote-news, author=(Jesse Jackson), title=In the Ferguson era, Malcolm X’s courage in fighting racism inspires more than ever, work=(The Guardian) (London), date=20 February 2015 citation
    • , passage=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. }}
  • A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.
    • The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed on the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.

    firestarter

    English

    Alternative forms

    * fire starter * fire-starter

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • one who starts fires
  • a tool used to start a fire.

    • Hyponyms

    * (person who starts fires) ** arsonist ** firebug ** fireraiser ** pyromaniac ** torch * (tool used to start a fire) ** incendiary