demagogue: Meaning and Definition of

dem•a•gogue

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