demagogue

or dem·a·gog

[ dem-uh-gog, -gawg ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, dem·a·gogued, dem·a·gogu·ing.

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)

, dem·a·gogued, dem·a·gogu·ing.

1. to speak or act like a demagogue.

demagogue

/ 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

demagogue

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 .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of demagogue¹

1640–50; < Greek dēmagōgós a leader of the people, popular leader, equivalent to dêm ( os ) people + agōgós leading, guiding; -agogue

Word History and Origins

Origin of demagogue¹

C17: from Greek dēmagōgos people's leader, from dēmos people + agein to lead

Example Sentences

If either or both fail to recognize this then a combination of demagogues, political activists and regulators will rush in to fill the vacuum that capitalism and democracy have left behind.

From Time

The same cannot be said of the countries ruled by his fellow demagogues who now feign democratic virtue on Twitter.

From Time

Devolving nominations to party voters raised the risks of elevating a demagogue.

From Vox

Just because a demagogue leaves office doesn’t mean the political fractures he left in his wake will instantly heal.

From Outside Online

Essentially, they didn’t want a wild man like a demagogue to get elected.

From Voice of San Diego

And despite the urgent optics of the border kids crisis, our D.C. politicos would rather demagogue the issue than deal with it.

From The Daily Beast

Too many politicians would rather demagogue an issue than deal with it.

From The Daily Beast

But as a demagogue for whom total power meant all, he realized that to capture Italy he needed the church.

From The Daily Beast

No wonder so many politicians see more upside in demagogue-ing the issue than dealing with it.

From The Daily Beast

But any ambiguous result is easy for a demagogue to spin into a great victory.

From The Daily Beast

There are limitations to what government can accomplish; there are no limitations to what a demagogue can promise.

From Project Gutenberg

It often happens that the people are too ready to follow the demagogue and to repudiate and ridicule the honest reformer.

From Project Gutenberg

"If men in these days open their mouths to speak for their human rights it's a disturbance," retorted the demagogue.

From Project Gutenberg

It must be ruled either by the weight and influence of the country gentlemen, or left to the mercy of the demagogue.

From Project Gutenberg

To divert the attention of the crowd from a demagogue who shouted, 'Clericalism is the great enemy!'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agitator
• firebrand