demagogue
/ˈdɛməˌɡɑɡ/
noun
- A political leader who gains power by appealing to people's emotions, prejudices, and fears rather than by using reason or presenting facts.
- The candidate was called a demagogue for his fiery speeches against the media.
- The dictator was a classic demagogue who blamed all problems on a minority group.
- Many historians warn that a skilled demagogue can undermine democracy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb
- To act like a demagogue; to appeal to popular emotions and prejudices in order to gain power or support.
- The mayor refused to demagogue about crime and instead focused on community programs.
- Rather than demagogue the issue, she presented careful research.
- He tried to demagogue the crowd by exaggerating the threat from foreign countries.