demagogue

[US]/ˈdeməɡɒɡ/
[UK]/ˈdeməɡɑːɡ/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

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

Example Sentences

demagogues who play on popular fears.

The character or practices of a demagogue;demagoguery.

The demagogue riled up the crowd with his inflammatory speech.

The demagogue used fear-mongering tactics to manipulate public opinion.

The demagogue appealed to people's emotions rather than logic.

Many consider him a demagogue for his divisive rhetoric.

The demagogue's charismatic personality drew followers to his cause.

His demagoguery led to social unrest and chaos.

The demagogue's populist message resonated with a certain segment of the population.

The demagogue's speeches were filled with half-truths and exaggerations.

Critics accused the politician of being a demagogue who preyed on people's fears.

The demagogue's rise to power was fueled by his ability to manipulate public sentiment.

Real-world Examples

She called the Republican presidential candidate a demagogue, a danger to America.

Source: BBC Listening Collection July 2016

Populist demagogues eventually lose power because they are hopeless at governing.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

Autocrats and demagogues seem emboldened, even cocky.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) May 2019 Compilation

Demagogues come in all sizes and in all shapes.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) October 2017 Collection

He said the violence was a warning about the consequences of a demagogue president and the people who had enabled him.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation January 2021

As a result, the demagogues ultimately won  the day, and the Republic would never return.

Source: Charming history

Soon the face of the demagogue was delineated and he was delivered to the police.

Source: Pan Pan

This is a very dangerous crossroads, because it's exactly where the demagogue enters into the picture.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) October 2017 Collection

The demagogue understands how collective sentiments work and how he -- it's usually a he -- can benefit from them.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) October 2017 Collection

Trump's great gift as a top notch demagogue is getting people fired up to believe whatever he tells them is true.

Source: New York Magazine (Video Edition)

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