Definition of Demagogue
Demagogue
dem·a·gogue
Definition/Meaning
(noun)
a leader who makes false promises and claims and appeals to the popular desires and prejudices of the ordinary people in order to seek support and gain power, rather than using rational arguments;
e.g. She turned into a demagogue in an attempt to gain more votes.
(noun)
an orator (speaker) or leader who supported or adopted the cause of the common people, especially in ancient Greek/Roman times;
e.g. He was known to be a demagogue in ancient Athens.
(verb)
to exploit some issue in a calculated way (especially rhetorically) in order to appeal to the prejudices and desires of the ordinary people;
e.g. They will try to demagogue the crisis and use it as a way to gain support for their new policies.
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