demagogue
Americannoun
-
a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
-
(in ancient times) a leader of the people.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
-
a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob
-
(esp in the ancient world) any popular political leader or orator
Etymology
Origin of demagogue
1640–50; < Greek dēmagōgós a leader of the people, popular leader, equivalent to dêm ( os ) people + agōgós leading, guiding; see -agogue
Explanation
A demagogue is someone who becomes a leader largely because of skills as a speaker or who appeals to emotions and prejudices. Though the Greek root for demagogue literally means "a leader of the people," the word has for centuries had a negative connotation: it actually means a leader who has manipulated the emotions and prejudices of the rabble. The reason for the negative connotation is that in ancient Athens, "the people" were considered to be an uncivilized mob. Two of the most famous historical demagogues are said to be Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin.
Vocabulary lists containing demagogue
100 Top "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Federalist Papers, No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But as Bilbo started campaigning for reelection in June 1946, the conservative and influential Saturday Evening Post published a cover story under the headline “Bilbo: America’s Worst Demagogue Runs Again.”
From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2021
In the interview, Dr. Jennifer Mercieca is here to discuss her new book, Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.
From Slate • Jul. 29, 2020
That's explained in a forthcoming book by Texas A&M communications professor Jennifer Mercieca, "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump."
From Salon • Jul. 4, 2020
Mann’s song may have the best lines, and the catchiest melody, but a special award for speed should go to Franz Ferdinand for Demagogue.
From The Guardian • Oct. 19, 2016
Mr. Jones wrote a full and particular account of the dinner, which appeared duly in the Demagogue.
From Vanity Fair by Thackeray, William Makepeace
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
