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; -agogue

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The story relates Laxman’s making as a demagogue, dwelling on the years in which he used his extended family as a kind of training ground for his megalomania.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Mr. Johnson understands that a demagogue must be as entertaining as he is monstrous.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said the corporation was "the best defence of truth and trust against the lies of dictators and demagogues".

From BBC

Related Words

• agitator
• firebrand