demagogue
Say it: DEM-uh-gog /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/ · noun
What “demagogue” means
A leader who exploits people's fears and prejudices to gain support.
More precisely: A leader who wins support by exploiting people's emotions and prejudices rather than using reason.
When to use it
For a leader who stirs fear, resentment or prejudice instead of offering reasoned arguments. A strongly critical political word.
Similar words
rabble-rouser, agitator, firebrand
Where it comes from
From Greek dēmagōgos, from dēmos 'people' + agōgos 'leading'.
Quick check
A leader wins cheers by blaming an unfamiliar minority for every local problem, offering fear instead of evidence. That leader is…
a mediator or a demagogue?
Show the answer
a demagogue
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