WordValedemagogue
a leader who wins support by appealing to prejudice and emotion
In more detail
1. (noun) a political leader who gains power by appealing to people's emotions and prejudices rather than using reason or facts
2. (noun) a person who makes false or exaggerated claims to gain support or influence from the public
Examples
- 1. The demagogue promised simple solutions to complex problems to win over angry voters.
- 2. Critics accused the candidate of being a demagogue who spread misinformation.
How to use demagogue
A demagogue is a political figure who deliberately manipulates emotions and exploits prejudices rather than engaging with facts or reasoned argument. The term is distinctly pejorative and used to criticize political leaders seen as irresponsible or cynically exploitative. It differs from populist, which is more neutral, though populists are sometimes accused of demagoguery.
Common phrases
- populist demagogue
- dangerous demagogue
- accuse someone of being a demagogue
- demagogic rhetoric
- appeal to the demagogue
Synonyms
rabble-rouser · firebrand · agitator · populist · fearmonger
Opposites
statesman · intellectual · scholar
Word family
demagogic (adjective) · demagoguery (noun) · demagogically (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'demagogue' to simply mean any unpopular or controversial politician, but it specifically denotes someone who uses emotional manipulation and false claims rather than just having unpopular views.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD