dem•a•gogue
Pronunciation: (dem'u-gog",--gôg"), [key]
— n., v., -gogued, -gogu•ing.
—n.
- a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
- (in ancient times) a leader of the people.
—v.t.
- to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
—v.i.
- to speak or act like a demagogue.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.