demagogue

American  

[dem-uh-gog, -gawg] / ˈdɛm əˌgɒg, -ˌgɔg /

Or demagog

noun

1. a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

2. (in ancient times) a leader of the people.

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verb (used with object)

demagogued, demagoguing

1. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.

verb (used without object)

demagogued, demagoguing

1. to speak or act like a demagogue.

demagogue British  

/ ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡ /

noun

1. a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob

2. (esp in the ancient world) any popular political leader or orator

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demagogue Cultural  

1. A politician who seeks to win and hold office by appeals to mass prejudice. Demagogues often use lies and distortion. (See Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.)

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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.

Example Sentences

The power struggles within a contentious Indian family feed the rise of a demagogue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

But he also turned on his vice-president, reposting a comment on X in which she was labelled a "traitor, a demagogue and stupid in economic terms".

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

Washington offered the blueprint of the modern demagogue, a Cassandra-like prophecy of executive overreach and populist fervor.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2025

It is a love of a de facto cult leader and demagogue for his followers who give him narcissistic fuel, their money, adoration, loyalty, time, energy, and perhaps even lives and freedom.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2024

They can perceive easily enough that he is remarkable for just those intellectual qualities which the conventional demagogue never has.

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by McCarthy, Justin

Related Words

• agitator
• firebrand