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Demagogue: meaning, definitions and examples

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demagogue

 

[ ˈdɛməɡɒɡ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

politics

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

Synonyms

agitator, firebrand, provocateur, rabble-rouser

Examples of usage

  • Many considered the senator to be a demagogue, using fear and misinformation to gain votes.
  • The demagogue's speeches were filled with inflammatory rhetoric to incite emotions among the crowd.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

Synonyms

charlatan, manipulator, populist

Examples of usage

  • The demagogue manipulated the public's emotions to further his own agenda.
  • His rise to power as a demagogue was fueled by his ability to tap into the fears and anger of the population.

Translations

Translations of the word "demagogue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demagogo

🇮🇳 जन-साधारण का नेता

🇩🇪 Demagoge

🇮🇩 demagog

🇺🇦 демагог

🇵🇱 demagog

🇯🇵 デマゴーグ

🇫🇷 démagogue

🇪🇸 demagogo

🇹🇷 demagog

🇰🇷 선동 정치가

🇸🇦 ديماغوجي

🇨🇿 demagog

🇸🇰 demagóg

🇨🇳 煽动者

🇸🇮 demagog

🇮🇸 lýðskrumari

🇰🇿 демагог

🇬🇪 დემაგოგი

🇦🇿 demaqoq

🇲🇽 demagogo

Etymology

The word 'demagogue' originated from the Greek word 'dēmagōgós', which was a combination of 'dēmos' meaning 'the people' and 'agōgós' meaning 'leading'. Initially, the term was neutral, referring to a leader of the people. However, over time, it acquired a negative connotation due to the association with manipulating emotions and prejudices for personal gain.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,644, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.