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demagogue

Noun
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

Detailed Definition
A demagogue is often characterized by their ability to manipulate public opinion and emotions, using rhetoric that stirs up fear or anger. In the context of the poem, the term highlights the dangers of leaders who prioritize their own power over the truth and the common good, as seen in the line about standing before a demagogue and resisting their flatteries.
Example
Example in poetry:
“Men who can stand before a demagogue, / And brave his treacherous flatteries” defines a demagogue through manipulation; A demagogue gains influence by exploiting fear, prejudice, and popular anger; “His slogans made a demagogue of grievance” shows the noun’s political charge; Contemporary political poems may contrast a demagogue’s spectacle with citizens’ careful testimony
Additional Notes
The word 'demagogue' may be unfamiliar to readers as it refers specifically to a type of political leader known for manipulation, as indicated in the context of resisting their flatteries.; Found in the poem, Give Us Men by J.G. Holland
Also Known As
Rhetorical Leader Charismatic Orator Manipulative Speaker
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