'propagandist' originates from the Latin word 'propaganda,' which is the gerundive form of 'propagare,' meaning 'to propagate.'

'propaganda' was adopted into English in the 17th century, and 'propagandist' emerged as a derivative to describe someone who spreads propaganda.

Initially, it referred to the act of spreading religious doctrine, but over time it evolved to mean the dissemination of any biased information.