Editing Svengali

==English==

===Alternative forms===

'''svengali''' (lowercase, non-proper usage)

===Etymology===
Named after the character [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali
 Svengali]] in ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilby_(novel)
 Trilby]]'' (1894) by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_du_Maurier
 George du Maurier]], a hypnotist who exerts manipulative control over others.

===Pronunciation===

/svɛnˈɡɑːli/
/svɛŋˈɡɑːli/
Katakana: スベンガリー

===Noun===
'''Svengali''' (plural '''Svengalis''')

One who [[manipulates]] or [[controls]] another as by some [[mesmeric]] or [[sinister]] [[influence]].

#* ''The young performer’s career was shaped by a Svengali who dictated every move behind the scenes.''

(by extension) A [[coach]], [[mentor]], or industry [[mogul]] who exerts strong, often controlling influence over another’s success or public image.

#* ''He became a Svengali figure in the startup world, guiding founders while quietly steering their decisions.''

===Usage notes===

Typically carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation, domination, or undue influence.
Occasionally used more neutrally to describe a powerful or highly involved mentor.

===See also===

[[manipulator]]
[[puppet master]]
[[éminence grise]]
[[power broker]]
[[kingmaker]]
[[string-puller]]
[[gaslighter]]

===Further reading===

[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali
 Svengali — Wikipedia]]
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilby_(novel)
 Trilby (novel) — Wikipedia]]

===Categories===
[[Category:English nouns]]
[[Category:Eponyms]]