demagogism

demagogism

A politician uses demagogism to sway the crowd with emotional appeals.

Definition
  1. Noun (uncountable):
    • The principles, practices, or methods of a demagogue: "Demagogism" refers to the political approach or rhetoric that appeals to popular desires and prejudices, often through emotional manipulation, oversimplification, and scapegoating, rather than through rational argument or policy details.
Usage Examples
  • (The use of emotional, manipulative political tactics.)
  • (Using simplistic, prejudiced appeals to gain support.)
  • (The practice of exploiting fear and anger for political gain.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To practice demagogism": to engage in the rhetorical strategies of a demagogue.

    • The leader was known to practice demagogism, stirring up hatred against minority groups to consolidate power. (To use manipulative, populist appeals.)

  • "The dangers of demagogism": the risks associated with such political behavior.

    • Historians often warn of the dangers of demagogism, as it can lead to authoritarianism and social division. (The potential harm to democratic governance.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Demagogue (n): a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular prejudices and emotions.

    • The demagogue gave a fiery speech that inflamed the crowd. (A manipulative, populist politician.)

  • Demagogic (adj): relating to or characteristic of a demagogue.

    • His demagogic style involved blaming outsiders for all of society's problems. (Using emotional, divisive rhetoric.)

  • Demagoguery (n): the same as demagogism; the practice of a demagogue.

    • The speech was full of demagoguery, with no concrete policy proposals. (Manipulative political rhetoric.)
Synonyms
  • Populism: a political approach that appeals to ordinary people, often against elites (can overlap with demagogism but is broader).
  • Rhetoric: persuasive language, often used negatively to imply empty or manipulative speech.
  • Mob rule: a situation where a demagogue stirs up the masses to act without reason.
  • Ranting: loud, emotional, and often irrational speech.
Related Idioms

  • Play to the gallery: to act in a way that appeals to the least sophisticated audience for approval.

    • The politician played to the gallery by making exaggerated claims about crime. (He used demagogism to win applause.)

  • Whip up a frenzy: to deliberately create strong, uncontrolled emotions, especially anger or excitement.

    • The speaker whipped up a frenzy of hatred against the opposition. (He used demagogism to incite the crowd.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Stir up: to cause strong feelings or trouble.

    • The demagogue stirred up resentment against the government. (He used demagogism to provoke anger.)

  • Play on: to exploit or take advantage of something, especially emotions.

    • He played on people's fears to gain their support. (He used demagogism to manipulate.)