demagog

/dɪˈmæɡɒɡ, di-/

Definitions

1. noun

A leader who obtains power and popularity by appealing to the emotions, prejudices, or fears of the people, often by using demagogic methods.

“The charismatic politician was accused of being a demagog, using his speeches to manipulate the audience’s emotions rather than presenting fact-based arguments.”

Synonyms

  • charlatan
  • populist
  • rhetorician

Antonyms

  • leader
  • statesman
  • stateswoman