A person who fears, dislikes, or distrusts the common people or the masses; one who opposes democratic principles.
From Greek demos (people) + -phobe (one who fears), using Greek phobos (fear). This creates a direct opposite of demophile, describing someone hostile to popular power or common folk.
Historically, every aristocracy and authoritarian system depended on demophobes—people convinced that the masses were too foolish, violent, or dangerous to have power. Understanding this word helps explain a lot of history!
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