Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
demagogue tactic

demagogue tactic

9.5
An unfair way a leader gains support by using people's fears and false promises
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛməˌɡɔɡ ˈtæktɪk/
  • Literature
translation icon : táctica demagógica
  • The candidate used every demagogue tactic in the book to sway the undecided voters.

Examples

  • Social media platforms can amplify the effects of a demagogue tactic during political campaigns.

  • Critics accused the leader of relying on demagogue tactics rather than honest debate.

  • Using a demagogue tactic can sway public opinion.

  • The politician employed a demagogue tactic during the debate.

  • Critics accused the leader of relying on demagogue tactics rather than honest debate.

  • The candidate used every demagogue tactic in the book to sway the undecided voters.

  • Social media platforms can amplify the effects of a demagogue tactic during political campaigns.

Synonyms

fearmongering
vsdemagogue tactic
7 8.0

Trying to make people afraid to change their views or actions

is one tactic that focuses on fear rather than many emotional or false appeals
manipulative tactic
vsdemagogue tactic
7.2

A plan to control people by tricking them

is a targeted method used to win followers by emotional or false appeals

Antonyms

honesty
365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

transparency
146 3.7

Being clear so people can see or understand how something works

How Demagogic

demagogue tactic
  • Literature
9.5
emotivism
9.9
finger-pointing
  • Informal
18 4.6

Surface Forms

demagogue tactic singular
demagogue tactics plural

Morphology

demagogue + tactic

The meaning 'a manipulative method used by a demagogue' is directly and compositionally derived from combining 'demagogue' (a political figure who exploits prejudices) with 'tactic' (a planned action). This noun+noun construction follows a regular, productive English pattern and is likely understandable to learners who know both constituents, so the phrase is transparent.

Etymology

Demagogue tactic brings to mind a loud leader who uses angry words, simple promises, and blame to make a crowd follow. The image of a demagogue using a clever tactic to play on people's feelings and fears explains why the phrase means 'a way to win support by playing on emotions and prejudices'.