Words / C2

DEM-uh-gog/ˈdeməɡɒɡ/

A demagogue is a speaker, usually political, who wins a crowd by inflaming feeling and prejudice rather than by argument. Leader is neutral; populist is related but not always an insult. Use demagogue when the method is manipulation of emotion. It is a charged word — in speech, say he plays on fear unless you are ready to defend the label. Demagoguery (or demagogy) names the style.

Meaning

A political leader who wins support by appealing to emotions and prejudice, not reason.

Examples

• “The speech sounded like that of a demagogue.”
• “The broadcast was classic demagoguery: simple enemies, no costs.”
• “She refused to answer a demagogue with another slogan.”

Good to know

A crowd-stirrer who skips reason. Strong criticism. Everyday: rabble-rouser (informal). Noun of style: demagoguery.

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