noun
svengali
svehng-GAH-lee
noun
1
A person who controls or manipulates another, often through charm, persuasion, or something close to hypnotic influence — commonly an overbearing mentor or manager.
"The pop star's manager was widely seen as her Svengali, controlling every part of her career."
"He became a kind of Svengali to the young politician, scripting her every public appearance."
How to Use Svengali
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA manipulative controller — someone who dominates another person's decisions and career, usually behind the scenes.
Common mistake
Usually implies a somewhat sinister, controlling influence, not just ordinary mentorship.
Common pairings
a Svengali figure
his Svengali-like influence
Word Forms
svengalis plural
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The pop star's manager was widely seen as her _____, controlling every part of her career.
Etymology
From Svengali, the hypnotist character who controls a young singer in George du Maurier's 1894 novel Trilby.