- Today's Word
Demagogue
DEM-uh-gawg
Definition
- (noun) A leader who gains power by appealing to emotions, prejudices, or popular desires rather than reason or logic.
Example
The politician’s speeches, filled with fear-mongering and empty promises, revealed him as a demagogue.
Fun Fact
“Demagogue” comes from the Greek dēmagōgos, meaning “leader of the people.” While it once referred to positive leaders, the word now carries a negative connotation, describing figures who manipulate public emotions for personal gain. History is full of such figures, making “demagogue” a powerful term in political discourse.
(adjective) Having many varied parts, aspects, or forms.
The festival featured a multifarious mix of music, art, and food from all over the world.
From Latin multifarius, meaning “in many places” or “of many kinds,” from multus (“many”).