Demagogue
/ˈdɛməˌɡɑːɡ/
nounC1
Definition
A demagogue is a leader who tries to get support by making people feel strong emotions like fear or anger, often by saying things that are not true or by blaming certain groups. Instead of using fair and clear reasons, a demagogue uses tricks to control or influence others.
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See It in Action
A political leader who gains power by appealing to emotions and prejudices
- •The demagogue stirred fear among the citizens to win votes.
- •Many people were warned about the demagogue's dangerous promises.
- •History shows how demagogues can cause division in society.
Someone who manipulates public opinion using lies or exaggerations
- •The demagogue spread false stories to make people angry.
- •People must be careful not to follow a demagogue blindly.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "demagogue" like "leader," but a leader who uses feelings and fears instead of facts to get power.
- ✓Picture a person speaking loudly to a crowd, making them scared or angry to win their support.
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear someone making big promises but you are not sure if they are honest.
- ✓Sounds like "DEMA-gog" → imagine a person "demanding" attention by shouting to a "dog" crowd that follows without thinking.
- ✓Think of famous stories or history where leaders caused problems by stirring up anger and fear in people.
- ✓NOT like a "teacher" who explains calmly and clearly; a demagogue uses emotions, not clear facts.
- ✓NOT like a "friend" who listens and cares; a demagogue tries to control by making people afraid or angry.
- ✓NOT like a "politician" who works fairly; a demagogue uses unfair ways to get power.
Try Other Words
- •Agitator: someone who tries to make people angry or upset, often to cause change (Use when focusing on causing unrest or protest)
- •Populist: a leader who tries to please ordinary people, sometimes by using simple ideas or emotions (Use when the leader appeals to common people but not always unfairly)
- •Rabble-rouser: a person who excites a crowd to anger or violence (Use when the focus is on stirring up strong emotions in a group)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "demo-" (people) + "-agogue" (leader, guide)
- •Etymology: From Greek "dēmagōgos," meaning "leader of the people"
- •Historical development: Originally neutral meaning "people leader," but over time it gained a negative meaning of a leader who misleads people by emotional tricks
- •Modern usage: Used to describe political figures who use fear, anger, or false promises to gain power instead of honest leadership
Reflect & Connect
•How can you tell the difference between a good leader and a demagogue in real life?
•Why do you think people sometimes follow demagogues even when they use lies or fear?
Fill in the blanks
1.A demagogue often uses ___ and ___ to gain support instead of clear facts or honest reasons.
2.When people feel scared or angry, they may be more likely to follow a demagogue because of their ___.
3.Unlike a fair leader, a demagogue tries to ___ people's emotions to control them.
4.The term demagogue is different from a normal leader because it usually has a ___ meaning.
5.A demagogue might ___ certain groups to create fear or anger in the crowd.
6.People should learn to recognize a demagogue's ___ to avoid being misled.
7.History shows that demagogues can cause ___ and division in society by using lies and fear.