Promulgate, a word not accustomed to the limelight, found itself one of our top lookups on June 13th, 2018, after President Trump used it as the antepenultimate word in a tweet.
So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN. They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have “begged” for this deal-looked like war would break out. Our Country’s biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018
We define promulgate as “to make (something, such as a doctrine) known by open declaration,” “to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law),” or “to put (a law) into action or force.” The word has been in use since the early 16th century, and particularly implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law. The turn of phrase employed here, “promulgated by fools,” is rare, although not unheard of.
Verily no more pestilent heresy has ever been propounded by deceivers or promulgated by fools.
— “Atticus”, The Critic (London, Eng.), 1 Jun. 1857
