Demagogue

Quick meaning: Demagogue is a noun meaning (intransitive and transitive) To speak or act in the manner of a demagogue; to speak about (an issue) in the manner of a demagogue.

Meaning

(intransitive and transitive) To speak or act in the manner of a demagogue; to speak about (an issue) in the manner of a demagogue.

More Meanings

1. (derogatory) A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument.
2. (historical) A leader of the people.

Example Sentences

It is true that America has a paranoid streak in its politics, and demagogues come along from time to time to feed on anger and resentment.

Talk to anyone with half a brain (and at least half a heart) and they will tell you, regardless of their position, that this is an issue to be weighed, not demagogued.

1938, O'Neill, translating The Knights by Aristophanes, 424 BC, lines 191-193, A demagogue must be neither an educated nor an honest man; he has to be an ignoramus and a rogue.

c. 1938, Maury Maverick, The New York Times, quoted in 1970, Richard B. Henderson, Maury Maverick: A Political Biography, page 183, I never demagogued on our serious questions and stood for civil liberties.

Word Forms

• demagogues
• demagog
• demagoguing
• demagogued

Synonyms for demagogue

Depending on context, synonyms include demagog.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include demagog, politico, dogmatizer, ideologizer, sadopopulist, panicmonger.

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