false rumor; misinformation; false alarm
In Japanese, often used for groundless rumors or hoaxes, especially in media contexts. The original German meaning of 'demagogy' is not the primary sense in everyday Japanese.
from German Demagogie
See also: デマ
I quickly realized that the news was a false rumor.
Misinformation was spread on social media.
demagogy; demagoguery
The original political meaning, referring to manipulative rhetoric that appeals to emotions and prejudices. Less common in everyday Japanese than the 'false rumor' sense.
His speech was criticized as nothing more than demagoguery.