rabble-rouse

[ rab-uhl-rouz ]

verb (used without object)

, rab·ble-roused, rab·ble-rousing.

1. to stir up the emotions or prejudices of the public; agitate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabble-rouse¹

First recorded in 1955–60; back formation from rabble-rouser

Example Sentences

Our son would never rabble-rouse at bedtime again.

From New York Times

“This is a small minority of far-right individuals who have glommed onto this larger protest in order to gain visibility, to rabble-rouse and to recruit,” he said.

From New York Times

While colobus bully-boys push their troop mates around, human bully-boy leaders are similar: they may violate the rights of minorities, rabble-rouse, ridicule, gaslight, or stridently support fake information – particularly information that is of personal, political or financial benefit to them.

From Salon

“Nor are the leaders of the Republican party over which Trump presides. Prominent GOP figures such as Kentucky senator Mitch McConnell seem to adhere to no worldview worthy of the name. As for the provocateurs who inhabit the sprawling universe of rightwing media, their principal motive is not to promote genuine conservative values but to rabble-rouse and line their own pockets. Indeed, allowing Trump, McConnell, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh et al. to present themselves as exemplary conservatives testifies to the pervasive corruption of contemporary American political discourse.”

From Washington Post

It is quite another to rabble-rouse for universal healthcare, wind energy and a livable wage in Charles Koch’s backyard.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• abet
• bring about
• foment
• incite
• inflame
• initiate
• kindle
• plot
• prompt
• spur
• whip up