I. noun
also dem·a·gog ˈde-mə-ˌgäg
Etymology: Greek dēmagōgos, from dēmos people (perhaps akin to Greek daiesthai to divide) + agōgos leading, from agein to lead — more at tide , agent
Date: 1648
1. : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
2. : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times
• dem·a·gogu·ery -ˌgä-g(ə-)rē noun
• dem·a·gogy -ˌgä-gē, -ˌgä-jē, -ˌgō-jē noun
II. verb
also demagog
( -gogued also -goged ; -gogu·ing also -gog·ing )
Date: 1656
intransitive verb
: to behave like a demagogue
transitive verb
: to treat (as an issue) in a demagogic manner