demagogue
Americannoun
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a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
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(in ancient times) a leader of the people.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
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a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob
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(esp in the ancient world) any popular political leader or orator
Etymology
Origin of demagogue
1640–50; < Greek dēmagōgós a leader of the people, popular leader, equivalent to dêm ( os ) people + agōgós leading, guiding; see -agogue
Explanation
A demagogue is someone who becomes a leader largely because of skills as a speaker or who appeals to emotions and prejudices. Though the Greek root for demagogue literally means "a leader of the people," the word has for centuries had a negative connotation: it actually means a leader who has manipulated the emotions and prejudices of the rabble. The reason for the negative connotation is that in ancient Athens, "the people" were considered to be an uncivilized mob. Two of the most famous historical demagogues are said to be Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin.
Vocabulary lists containing demagogue
100 Top "SAT" Words
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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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The Federalist Papers, No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Johnson understands that a demagogue must be as entertaining as he is monstrous.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025
But he also turned on his vice-president, reposting a comment on X in which she was labelled a "traitor, a demagogue and stupid in economic terms".
From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025
Lines like that, though, do not do Miller justice, as either a villain, a demagogue, or a policymaker.
From Slate • Jan. 20, 2025
Father and mother act like demagogue politicians, waving at crowds from balconies while relieving themselves of the burden of their impossible son.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2024
He was a belated knight-errant with a decided touch of the demagogue.
From The South American Republics Part I of II by Dawson, Thomas C.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
