demagoguery

/'deməgɔgri/

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Word: Demagoguery

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Demagoguery refers to the practice of appealing to people's emotions, fears, and prejudices, often in a misleading or manipulative way, in order to gain power or influence. It usually involves stirring up strong feelings among the public rather than using facts or rational arguments.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "demagoguery" when discussing politics, leadership styles, or public speaking that relies more on emotional appeals than on logical reasoning.
• It is generally used in a negative context, suggesting that the speaker or leader is being dishonest or manipulative.

Example:

• "The politician's speech was an example of demagoguery; he focused on people's fears rather than providing real solutions to the problems."

Advanced Usage:

• In political science or debates, you might hear experts discuss how demagoguery can undermine democracy by promoting division and falsehoods among the populace.

Word Variants:

• Demagogue (noun): A leader who uses demagoguery. Example: "The demagogue rallied the crowd with passionate but misleading statements."
• Demagogic (adjective): Related to demagoguery; describes behavior or speech that is characteristic of a demagogue. Example: "His demagogic tactics appealed to the crowd's emotions instead of their reason."

Different Meanings:

While "demagoguery" specifically refers to manipulative appeals to emotions in a political context, it can also be applied more broadly to describe any situation where someone uses emotional manipulation to control or influence a group.

Synonyms:

• Manipulation
• Emotional appeal
• Rabble-rousing
• Incitement

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "demagoguery," related phrases might include: - "Playing to the crowd" – trying to get the audience's approval by saying what they want to hear, often without concern for truth. - "Stirring the pot" – causing trouble or controversy, often by bringing up emotional topics.

Academic

Noun

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

Synonyms

• demagogy