Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of or resembling a demagogue: Relating to the methods, rhetoric, or behavior typical of a demagogue, especially appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than using rational argument.

Usage

• The word "demagogical" is used to describe speech, tactics, arguments, or behavior that are manipulative, emotionally charged, and designed to gain power by exciting popular passions, often by making false claims and promises.
• It is a formal, often academic or critical term, used in political analysis and commentary.

Examples

• The politician's demagogical rhetoric exploited people's fears during the crisis.
• Historians criticized the leader's demagogical tactics for undermining democratic institutions.
• His appeal was purely demagogical, lacking any substantive policy proposals.

Advanced Usage

• "Demagogical appeal": Refers to a persuasive attempt based on stirring up emotions rather than logic.
  • The candidate's success was built on a demagogical appeal to nationalist sentiment.
• "Demagogical style": Describes a manner of speaking or leading that is characteristic of a demagogue.
  • The talk show host was known for his demagogical style, simplifying complex issues into us-versus-them narratives.

Variants and Related Words

• Demagogic (adj): The more common variant, identical in meaning to "demagogical".
  • The journalist wrote an exposé on the regime's demagogic propaganda.
• Demagogue (n): A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
  • He was accused of being a demagogue who threatened the stability of the republic.
• Demagogy (n): The methods or practices of a demagogue; demagoguery.
  • The debate was marred by outright demagogy from both sides.

Synonyms

• Rabble-rousing: Intended to stir up common people, especially to anger or violence.
• Inflammatory: Arousing strong emotion, especially anger, typically to provoke unrest.
• Populist (in a pejorative sense): Relating to a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups, often through oversimplified or emotional appeals.

Antonyms

• Rational: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
• Principled: Acting in accordance with morality and showing recognition of right and wrong.
• Statesmanlike: Having the qualities of a statesman, such as wisdom, fairness, and diplomatic skill.

Adjective

1. characteristic of or resembling a demagogue
   • demagogic speeches