rabble-rousers
/ˈræbəlˌraʊzərz/
NOUN
1. People who incite crowds to political action
People who try to stir up large groups of people to take political or social action by appealing to their emotions rather than their reason.
1.1. Political agitation and demagoguery
Refers to speakers or leaders who influence public opinion and mobilize crowds by exploiting popular emotions, fears, or prejudices, often through passionate or inflammatory rhetoric.
Synonyms
- demagogues
- agitators
- firebrands
- incendiaries
- fomenters
- inciters
- soapbox orators
- tub-thumpers
- haranguers
Antonyms
- peacemakers
- reconcilers
- uniters
Examples
- The rabble-rousers urged the crowd to oppose the government's new policy.
- The political rally attracted several charismatic rabble-rousers who delivered passionate speeches.
- The leaders were accused of exploiting public fears to gain support as rabble-rousers.
Related Words
1.2. Provoking unrest and public disorder
Describes people who deliberately stir up hostility, encourage confrontation, or provoke disturbances among groups of people.
Synonyms
- troublemakers
- instigators
- provocateurs
- provokers
- agents provocateurs
- inciters
- agitators
- fomenters
Antonyms
- peacemakers
- pacifiers
- reconcilers
Examples
- The police watched for rabble-rousers who might provoke violence during the demonstration.
- A few rabble-rousers tried to turn the peaceful gathering into a confrontation.
- The organizers asked the crowd to ignore the rabble-rousers and remain calm.
Related Words
- mischief-makers
- disruptors
- firebrands
- extremists
- insurgents
- insurrectionists