What does "demagogue" mean?
A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument.
Demagogue
/ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument.
- Grammar: demagogue is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: rabble-rouser, agent provocateur, agitator, agitator.
- Useful contrasts: calm, educate, ethical communicator.
- Usage evidence: He is a stubborn and intransigent demagogue.
How to use "demagogue"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "demagogue" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "demagogue" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "demagogue" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A political orator or leader, especially in a democratic system, who gains favor by pandering to or exciting the passions and prejudices of the audience rather than by using rational argument. derogatory
"1938, O'Neill, translating The Knights by Aristophanes, 424 BC, lines 191-193, A demagogue must be neither an educated nor an honest man; he has to be an ignoramus and a rogue."
- 2 a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices wordnet
- 3 A leader of the people. historical
Verb
- 1 To speak or act in the manner of a demagogue; to speak about (an issue) in the manner of a demagogue. intransitive, transitive
"c. 1938, Maury Maverick, The New York Times, quoted in 1970, Richard B. Henderson, Maury Maverick: A Political Biography, page 183, I never demagogued on our serious questions and stood for civil liberties."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He is a stubborn and intransigent demagogue."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "demagogue"?
Common synonyms include: rabble-rouser, agent provocateur, agitator, agitator, agitprop, catalyst.
How do you use "demagogue" in a sentence?
He is a stubborn and intransigent demagogue.
How do you pronounce "demagogue"?
Pronounced /ˈdɛməɡɑɡ/.
Etymology
From Middle French démagogue, from Ancient Greek δημαγωγός (dēmagōgós, “popular leader, mob leader”), from δῆμος (dêmos, “people”) + ἀγωγός (agōgós, “guide”). By surface analysis, dem- + -agogue.