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)

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

/ 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

Winston is a grifter and populist demagogue in the mold of Robert Penn Warren’s Willie Stark, though Mr. Johnson has also taken inspiration from the daily news.

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Scaring people this way is a common maneuver of ambitious demagogues.

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Autocrats, authoritarians and demagogues, though, have little — if any — sense of obligation to the public good.

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Fascists, authoritarians and demagogues of various ilk know this intimately.

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But now that they have a full-fledged demagogue and cult leader running the country, it appears the American right is no longer interested in conservative Christian leaders of yesteryear.

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Related Words

• agitator 
• firebrand