Demagoguery: meaning, definitions and examples

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demagoguery

 

[ ˌdɛm.əˈɡɔ.ɡri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political manipulation

Demagoguery refers to the practice of appealing to the emotions, fears, and prejudices of the populace, often by using incendiary rhetoric and misinformation. It is commonly employed by political leaders who seek to gain power or manipulate public opinion without regard for the truth. This method of persuasion can lead to increased polarization in society, as demagogues exploit divisions among people. The term is often associated with charismatic leaders who use emotional appeals to rally support, sometimes at the expense of reasoned debate and factual accuracy.

Synonyms

manipulation, oratory, populism, rhetoric

Examples of usage

  • The politician's speech was a classic example of demagoguery, stirring up anger among the crowd.
  • Demagoguery can erode the foundations of democratic discourse and lead to authoritarianism.
  • Many feared that his demagoguery would incite violence among his supporters.
  • The rise of demagoguery in politics has been a topic of concern for scholars and citizens alike.

Translations

Translations of the word "demagoguery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demagogia

🇮🇳 जनता को भड़काने की कला

🇩🇪 Demagogie

🇮🇩 demagogi

🇺🇦 демагогія

🇵🇱 demagogia

🇯🇵 デマゴギー

🇫🇷 démagogie

🇪🇸 demagogia

🇹🇷 demagoji

🇰🇷 민주적 선동

🇸🇦 ديماغوجية

🇨🇿 demagogie

🇸🇰 demagógia

🇨🇳 煽动政治

🇸🇮 demagogija

🇮🇸 demagógía

🇰🇿 демагогия

🇬🇪 დემაგოგია

🇦🇿 demagoji

🇲🇽 demagogia

Word origin

The term 'demagoguery' is derived from the Greek word 'demagogos,' which means 'leader of the people.' It originally referred to a leader who sought to appeal to the desires and emotions of the populace, often in a way that is manipulative or misleading. The word gained prominence in the early 19th century, particularly in the context of political discourse during periods of social upheaval and change. Demagogues have exploited societal fears throughout history, from ancient Greece to modern times, using rhetoric that plays on the insecurities of their audience. Over time, the connotation of the term has shifted to a more negative context, as demagoguery is often associated with individuals who prioritize their ambitions over truth and constructive dialogue, leading to a more divisive political environment.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,028 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.