OpenSynonym

rabble-rousing

/ˈræbəlˌraʊzɪŋ/

NOUN

1. The act of stirring up a crowd

The deliberate use of speech, writing, or actions to make a crowd excited or angry, usually to encourage people to act in a particular way.

1.1. Political agitation and public mobilization

Describes efforts to arouse strong emotions among large groups of people, particularly to influence political opinions, encourage protest, or mobilize collective action.

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Examples

  • The politician was accused of rabble-rousing to gain support for his campaign.
  • The speech relied on emotional appeals and rabble-rousing rather than a reasoned argument.
  • The authorities condemned the deliberate rabble-rousing that fueled public unrest.

Related Words

  • demagogy
  • political agitation
  • populism
  • mass mobilization
  • public unrest

1.2. Provoking anger and disorder

Refers to deliberately stirring up hostility, resentment, or excitement among a crowd, often in ways that risk confrontation or social unrest.

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Examples

  • The speaker's rabble-rousing stirred anger among the demonstrators.
  • The broadcast was criticized for rabble-rousing and spreading hostility.
  • The organizers urged everyone to reject rabble-rousing and avoid violence.

Related Words

  • unrest
  • tumult
  • inflammatory speech
  • public disturbance
  • instigation

ADJECTIVE

2. Designed to stir up strong emotions

Intended to make a crowd excited, angry, or ready to take action, especially through forceful or provocative language.

2.1. Inflammatory speeches and rhetoric

Describes speeches, statements, or language that deliberately provoke strong emotional reactions and encourage a crowd to respond or take action.

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Examples

  • The candidate delivered a rabble-rousing speech that energized the audience.
  • The newspaper published a rabble-rousing article that intensified public anger.
  • His rabble-rousing rhetoric encouraged supporters to challenge the authorities.

Related Words

  • seditious
  • subversive
  • explosive
  • rebellious
  • revolutionary

2.2. Energetic and rebellious performances

Describes music, performances, or public events that excite audiences, stir collective enthusiasm, and encourage spirited or rebellious responses.

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Examples

  • The band performed a set of rabble-rousing songs that energized the audience.
  • The singer became famous for his rabble-rousing stage presence.
  • The festival ended with a rabble-rousing performance that had the crowd cheering.

Related Words