rabble-rouser
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person, especially a political leader or agitator, who seeks to excite, mobilize, or control a crowd or group by appealing to strong emotions, popular passions, prejudices, or grievances, often through inflammatory rhetoric.
Usage
The term "rabble-rouser" is used to describe someone who deliberately stirs up public discontent or anger, typically for political gain. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying the person is manipulative and exploits people's fears or biases rather than appealing to reason.
Examples
- The dictator began his career as a rabble-rouser, giving fiery speeches that blamed the country's problems on minority groups.
- Historians often describe the figure as a dangerous rabble-rouser who used half-truths to turn the population against the ruling class.
- The community leader was accused of being a rabble-rouser for inciting protests with exaggerated claims about the new policy.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Journalistic Analysis: The term is often used in political analysis, history, and journalism to critique demagogic tactics.
- The article analyzed the campaign strategies of several 20th-century rabble-rousers.
- As a Pejorative: It is frequently used as a direct criticism or insult in political discourse.
- The senator dismissed his opponent as a mere rabble-rouser without substantive policies.
Variants and Related Words
- Rabble-rousing (noun/adjective): The act or practice of stirring up the rabble; characteristic of a rabble-rouser.
- His speech was pure rabble-rousing. (noun)
- They employed rabble-rousing tactics. (adjective)
Synonyms
- Demagogue: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. (Often used interchangeably, though "demagogue" can imply a more established leadership role.)
- Agitator: A person who urges others to protest or rebel.
- Inciter: One who encourages unlawful or violent behavior.
- Firebrand: A person who is passionate about a particular cause and is provocative in promoting it.
Antonyms
- Peacemaker
- Conciliator
- Moderate
- Unifier
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To stir up the rabble: An idiom describing the core action of a rabble-rouser; to incite or agitate a crowd.
- His only talent seemed to be stirring up the rabble at town hall meetings.
- To play on passions/prejudices: A phrase describing the method of a rabble-rouser.
- The leader's strategy was to play on the prejudices of the rural population.
Noun
- a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices