Agency Dictionary
Demagogue
nounPronunciation: /ˈdɛm.ə.ɡɒɡ/
In Portuguese: Demagogo
Society & PoliticsWhat does “Demagogue” mean?
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than rational argument.
Etymology
From Greek demagogos, "leader of the people", made of demos, "the people", and agogos, "leading", from agein, "to lead". The word reached English in the 17th century, in part through French. In Athens it first named, without blame, a politician who spoke for the common people; the hostile sense, a leader who wins power by flattering passions and prejudices, was already present in ancient writers critical of democracy and is the only one that survived.
Usage note
American English also accepts the spelling demagog. The practice is called demagoguery, mainly in American use, or demagogy.
Synonyms
- rabble-rouser
- agitator
- populist
- firebrand
Often confused with
- populist
- Populist names a political style that sets the people against the elites and can be used neutrally; demagogue is always a charge of manipulation.
Word family
- demagoguery
- demagogy
- demagogic
- democracy
Usage examples
It’s enticing to think that many of the bizarre things done today by demagogues (a word that curiously resembles the Demogorgons from Stranger Things) and technocrats come from mere ignorance.
Concepts
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Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Stigmanoun
- A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
- collective consciousnessnoun
- The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
- Agoranoun
- A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
- Allegiancenoun
- Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
- baronnoun
- A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
- Benefactornoun
- A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
- Clausenoun
- A distinct article or stipulation in a formal treaty, bill, or legal contract addressing a specific condition or obligation.
- Corporativismnoun
- The defence of the interests of a business class or professional group above the general interest, and the culture built around it. The word also names a political and economic system organized through corporations of employers, workers and professions.
- dystopianoun
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- Extensionnoun
- An educational program or institutional initiative that extends university resources, research, and expertise to the broader community.
- honestioresnoun
- The higher-ranking social class in the high Roman Empire that enjoyed privileged legal treatment, lighter criminal sentences, and exemption from torture.
- humilioresnoun
- The lower-ranking free population in imperial Rome subject to severe criminal punishments, investigative torture, and forced labor.
Also from these editions: terms
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- Ambiguitynoun
- The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.
- Bombasticadjective
- High-sounding, pompous, or inflated in speech or style with little genuine substance or humility.
- Decorumnoun
- Behavior in keeping with good taste, propriety, and established standards of dignity.
- Elixirnoun
- A magical or medicinal potion believed capable of curing illnesses or conferring exceptional vitality.
- Epiphanynoun
- A moment of sudden and profound intuitive comprehension, clarity, or essential insight.
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- A medically ineffectual treatment or substance designed to deceive the recipient, often used as a control in scientific trials.
- Poisonnoun
- A substance that causes death or severe physical harm when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism.
- Potionnoun
- A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
- Remedynoun
- A medicine, treatment, or therapy that cures a disease, relieves physical suffering, or rectifies a systemic flaw.
- Technocratnoun
- An exponent of technocracy, or an expert whose authority derives from technical or managerial proficiency rather than democratic mandate.
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