noun
demagogue
DEM-uh-gog
Demagogue (noun) means a political leader who wins support by stirring up popular fears, resentments and prejudices rather than by reasoned argument. Example: “He rose as a demagogue, promising simple answers to complicated problems.”
noun
1
A political leader who wins support by stirring up popular fears, resentments and prejudices rather than by reasoned argument.
"He rose as a demagogue, promising simple answers to complicated problems."
"Democracies are most vulnerable to a demagogue when trust in institutions collapses."
verb
1
chiefly US To treat an issue in a deliberately inflammatory way in order to win support.
"Both parties have demagogued immigration for decades."
How to use demagogue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA politician who works people up instead of reasoning with them.
When to use it
Neutral in register but strongly critical in force; common in political commentary and history.
Memory tip
Do not confuse demagogue with pedagogue: a pedagogue is a teacher.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dangerous demagogue
populist demagogue
the rise of a demagogue
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He rose as a _____, promising simple answers to complicated problems.
Etymology
From Greek dēmagōgos 'leader of the people', from dēmos 'people' and agōgos 'leading'.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for demagogue
See all rhymes for demagogue →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a demagogue and a populist?
A populist frames politics as the ordinary people against a self-serving elite, which need not involve dishonesty. A demagogue is defined by method rather than message: whipping up fear, anger and prejudice, and making promises they know cannot be kept. Demagogue is always an insult; populist is not necessarily.
How is demagogue pronounced and spelt?
It is said DEM-uh-gog. The usual spelling ends in -gogue; the shortened American spelling demagog exists but is rare.
Is demagogue always negative?
In modern English, yes. In ancient Athens the word could simply mean a leader of the common people, but that neutral sense has not survived.
What is the meaning of demagogue?
"demagogue" (noun) means a political leader who wins support by stirring up popular fears, resentments and prejudices rather than by reasoned argument.
