noun / verb
demagogue
DEM-uh-gahg/ˈdeməɡɑːɡ/
Exploiting fear, prejudice, or popular passions to gain political support.
The demagogue wins applause by blaming a family of newcomers.
Etymology
Literally a “leader of the people,” the word was already often disparaging in ancient Greek use. It describes leadership that wins popular support by pandering to prejudices and passions.
In context
what does the demagogue do when he's lost the people who he's who support him how does he win them back around
More examples
- Demagogues turn public anxiety into anger at convenient scapegoats.
- Candidates demagogue immigration to win votes instead of offering solutions.
- She accuses her opponent of demagoguing the debate with scare tactics.
Forms
demagogue · demagogues · demagogued · demagoguing
demagoguery noun — Political persuasion that exploits fear or prejudice.
demagogic adjective — Exploiting popular fears or prejudices for support.
Similar words
- rabble-rouser
- Stirs crowds to anger or action, not necessarily for political support.
- agitator
- Urges disruptive action or change without necessarily exploiting prejudice.