demagogue

What does “demagogue” mean?

noun.a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing political ideologies, leadership, or social movements. It emphasizes manipulative tactics and emotional appeals rather than rational discourse, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like "politician" by highlighting a leader's exploitation of public sentiment for personal gain.

Common Confusions

Demagogue implies a leader who manipulates public sentiment for personal gain, while politician usually suggests a professional engaged in governance and public service, often without the same connotation of exploitation.

Example Sentences

• The demagogue inflamed the crowd with empty slogans.

Word Parts: How to Remember “demagogue”

Break “demagogue” into its parts: de- (people). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: de- people (Greek)