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

After Pericles’ death from plague in 429 B.C., rhetorical and political authority is seized by Cleon, an upstart demagogue who is the “most violent person in Athens” and “the most persuasive.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

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

Watson was an effective demagogue because he practiced a politics of anger in an era that demanded it.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2024

Father and mother act like demagogue politicians, waving at crowds from balconies while relieving themselves of the burden of their impossible son.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2024

A flash of wit and a striking phrase came frequently, but the manner was emphatically not that of a demagogue.

From Dictatorship vs. Democracy (Terrorism and Communism) by Trotzky, Leon Davidovich

Related Words

• agitator
• firebrand