demagogue
noun dem·a·gogue \ˈde-mə-ˌgäg\
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Simple Definition of
demagogue
: a political leader
who tries to get support by making false claims and promises and using
arguments based on emotion rather than reason
When the ancient
Greeks used dēmagōgos (from dēmos, meaning "people," and agein,
"to lead") they meant someone good-a leader who used outstanding
oratorical skills to further the interests of the common people.
Mid-17th-century writers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Dryden-and, later, Jonathan
Swift-employed the English word that way. But, at the same time, the word took
a negative turn, coming to suggest one who uses powers of persuasion to sway
and mislead.
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