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

Maybe some facts can help sort reality from demagoguery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

“Too often, half-baked information based on faulty data and assumptions has been the basis of bad policymaking and demagoguery, and the council must demand information that the public can count on,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2024

He said voters have the wisdom “to banish demagoguery and authoritarianism as they look toward a tomorrow of peace and well-being for all.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 15, 2023

But this demagoguery didn’t sprout out of nowhere; it was present during the Crossfire years too, just as a sarcastic and even prank-like part of his future persona.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2023

It is all nothing but slang and demagoguery, and is fraught with naught but evil, mischief, and degradation, individually and nationally.

From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume II by Stanton, Elizabeth Cady