Definition

Noun: * Impassioned appeals to the prejudices and emotions of the populace: The practice of gaining political power or popularity by arousing the emotions, prejudices, and passions of ordinary people, often through rhetoric that is misleading, exaggerated, or false, rather than by using rational argument.

Usage

• Demagoguery is an uncountable noun. It refers to the general practice or method, not a single instance.
• It is typically used in political and social commentary to criticize a speaker's tactics.
• It carries a strongly negative connotation, implying manipulation and a disregard for truth and reason.

Examples

• The historian warned that the rise of demagoguery often precedes the collapse of democratic institutions.
• His campaign was criticized for relying on fear-mongering and demagoguery rather than substantive policy debates.
• The speech was a masterclass in demagoguery, skillfully exploiting public anxieties about immigration.

Advanced Usage

• "To engage in demagoguery": To actively use demagogic tactics.
  • The opposition leader accused the prime minister of engaging in shameless demagoguery.
• "The demagoguery of...": Used to specify the target or subject of the demagogic appeals.
  • The article analyzed the demagoguery of resentment that fueled the movement.

Variants and Related Words

• Demagogue (noun): A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
  • He was denounced as a dangerous demagogue.
• Demagogic (adjective): Characteristic of or relating to a demagogue or demagoguery.
  • The senator's demagogic rhetoric alarmed his colleagues.
• Demagogy (noun): An alternative, less common spelling of demagoguery, with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Rabble-rousing: The act of arousing the anger or enthusiasm of a crowd, especially for political purposes.
• Populism (in its pejorative sense): A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups, often through simplistic or emotional appeals.
• Emotional manipulation: Influencing someone by exploiting their emotions rather than facts.

Related Phrases

• To pander to the crowd/base: To do or say what people want in order to gain their support, often by telling them what they want to hear rather than what is true or best.
  • Critics said the policy was designed to pander to the crowd, not to solve the problem.
• To stir up hatred/fear: To deliberately cause strong, negative emotions in a group of people.
  • The talk show host was accused of using his platform to stir up hatred.

Related Idioms

• Playing on people's fears: Exploiting what people are afraid of for personal or political gain.
  • The advertisement was criticized for playing on people's fears about crime.
• Telling people what they want to hear: Saying things that are pleasing or popular, regardless of their truth or practicality.
  • A true leader offers solutions, not just tells people what they want to hear.

Noun

1. impassioned appeals to the prejudices and emotions of the populace