demagoguery
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of demagoguery
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.
Vocabulary lists containing demagoguery
We the People: Dem
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dem
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The New Jim Crow
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Maybe some facts can help sort reality from demagoguery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
Only supported facts of evidence are allowed in a courtroom; demagoguery and assertions of opinion unsupported by admissible evidence are not allowed.
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2025
“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
Don't you think it's high time for the leaders of commerce and industry to combine intelligently against demagoguery?
From The Plum Tree by E. M. Ashe
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
