Rabble-rousing is the act of inflaming the emotions of a crowd or mob, usually with the intent of inciting them to take violent or disruptive action. It typically involves the use of passionate, often simplistic, language, appeals to prejudice, and the exaggeration of perceived grievances to manipulate and mobilize a group of people. The goal of a rabble-rouser is to create a strong, emotional response, often fueled by fear, anger, or resentment, to achieve a specific political or social objective, even if that objective is harmful or unethical. This can involve the distortion of facts, the spreading of misinformation, and the vilification of opposing viewpoints. Ultimately, rabble-rousing is a form of demagoguery, often employed by leaders who lack genuine arguments or policy proposals.
Rabble-rousing meaning with examples
- The politician's speech was widely criticized as rabble-rousing, as he used inflammatory language about immigrants and amplified unsubstantiated fears about national security. The crowd, already agitated by economic hardship, responded with chants of support for the politician's xenophobic rhetoric. His words fueled the crowd's anger and ultimately made them hostile to political opponents, furthering their anger and anxiety.
- During the protest, a few individuals engaged in rabble-rousing, using megaphones to shout exaggerated claims about police brutality and inciting the crowd to become confrontational. Despite organizers attempts to keep the protest peaceful, the inflammatory rhetoric of these individuals increased tensions, and sparked a dangerous, volatile atmosphere that jeopardized the safety of everyone in attendance. These rabble-rousers often used the anger to stir tensions.
- The media was accused of rabble-rousing when reporting on the economic crisis. It made use of selective statistics, creating a sense of panic. Some news outlets focused on the most extreme examples of poverty and unemployment, further fueling public anxiety and distrust in the government's ability to manage the situation. The constant stream of negative and emotive news helped undermine faith in established institutions.
- Throughout history, dictators have used rabble-rousing to seize and maintain power. Hitler's speeches were designed to stir up hatred against Jewish people and other minority groups, portraying them as threats to the nation. The Nazi party used a sophisticated propaganda machine to amplify these messages, which helped rally public support behind their radical, destructive policies, and enabled them to commit atrocities.
Rabble-rousing Synonyms
agitprop demagoguery firebrandism incendiary rhetoric incitement inflammatory speech provocation stirring up trouble 煽动Rabble-rousing Antonyms
conciliation de-escalation diplomacy level-headedness moderation peaceful communication rationality reasoned discourse statesmanshipRabble-rousing Crossword Answers
8 Letters
INCITIVE SEDITION
9 Letters
AGITATING SEDITIOUS
10 Letters
INCENDIARY
11 Letters
INSTIGATIVE
12 Letters
INFLAMMATORY