demagoguery

American  

[dem-uh-gog-uh-ree, -gaw-guh-] / ˈdɛm əˌgɒg ə ri, -ˌgɔ gə- /

noun

1. the methods or practices of a demagogue.

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demagoguery British  

/ ˌdɛməˈɡɒɡərɪ, ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡɪzəm /

noun

1. the methods, practices, or rhetoric of a demagogue

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Etymology

Origin of demagoguery

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; demagogue + -ry

Explanation

Demagoguery is an appeal to people that plays on their emotions and prejudices rather than on their rational side. Demagoguery is a manipulative approach — often associated with dictators and sleazy politicians — that appeals to the worst nature of people. Demagoguery isn't based on reason, issues, and doing the right thing; it's based on stirring up fear and hatred to control people. For example, a politician who stirs up a fear of immigrants to distract from other issues is using demagoguery. Demagoguery is one of the most negative aspects of politics, but it's also one that's all too common.

Example Sentences

It’s a romance, a swashbuckler, a melodrama, a relatively light-handed critique of capitalism, demagoguery and the malleability of the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

The word, to most of them, suggested mob rule and demagoguery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

They reveal Washington’s deep understanding of the fragile nature of democratic institutions and the ever-present threats of demagoguery and partisan strife.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2025

It fails, on the other hand, "when it permits confusion, ignorance, neglect, demagoguery and silence to prevail on those same items."

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

The suddenness of the crisis marks it as a species of “mid-summer madness,” a very “witches’ sabbath” of diplomatic demagoguery.

From The Evidence in the Case A Discussion of the Moral Responsibility for the War of 1914, as Disclosed by the Diplomatic Records of England, Germany, Russia by Beck, James M. (James Montgomery)