All 5 Uses of

demonstrate

in

Hoot

That meant Dana would feel obligated to demonstrate what a tough hombre he was.
p. 95.8 *

demonstrate = show

The TV cameraman announced that the demonstration was being broadcast live on the noon news, while the photographer from the paper swooped in for a close-up of Mr. Muckle, looking drained, defeated, and suddenly very old.
p. 272.4 *

demonstration = public protest

The front page featured a picture of Roy, Beatrice, and Mother Paula clasping hands in the circle at the demonstration.
p. 275.4

Kelly Colfax began firing questions: How'd you get involved in the demonstration?
p. 278.6

Definitions:

(1) (demonstrate as in: It demonstrates my point.)
to show
The exact meaning of this sense of demonstrate can depend upon its context. For example:
- "I will demonstrate how to throw a Frisbee." -- show how to do something
- "I will demonstrate how much quicker the new computer is than the old one." -- show how something works
- "Her questioned demonstrated that she was listening and thinking deeply about what was said." -- showed to be true or proved
(2) (demonstrate as in: demonstrate to protest)
a public display supporting a cause -- usually joining with others in a political protest
(3) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)