firebug

One who torches

A firebug is someone who deliberately sets fires—an arsonist, especially one who does it compulsively or for thrill rather than profit: Police suspected a firebug was responsible for the string of warehouse fires.

The word suggests pathology more than criminality.

Firebug also names various insects with red markings, particularly a bright red European beetle.

arsonist

pyromaniac

One obsessed with flames

firestarter · arsonist · accelerant · gasoline · matches · lighter · criminal · investigation · insurance fraud · pyromania

destruction

blaze

Intense burning fire

burn · incinerate · char · scorch · devastation · ruin · damage · debris · smoke · embers

insect

glowworm

Bioluminescent beetle larva

larva · nocturnal · luminescence · exoskeleton · abdomen · mating signal · swarm · summer nights · meadow · dusk

software

debugger

Software error-locating tool

browser extension · inspector · breakpoints · console · DOM · CSS · JavaScript · web development · developer tools · add-on

Categories
Opposites
relationship to fire

firebugfirefighter

Emergency blaze responder

fire extinguisher · fireman · firewoman · fire brigade · smoke jumper

psychological orientation toward destruction

firebugpreservationist

Heritage protection advocate

conservator · protector · restorer · guardian · caretaker

intent toward property/safety

firebugfirefighter

Emergency blaze responder

first responder · rescuer · protector · guardian · safety officer

Family

firebrand, firebugs

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG