Svengali: Difference between revisions
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===See also=== | ===See also=== | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/manipulator manipulator] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/puppet_master puppet master] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/éminence_grise éminence grise] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/power_broker power broker] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kingmaker kingmaker] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/string-puller string-puller] | ||
[ | * [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gaslighter gaslighter] | ||
===Further reading=== | ===Further reading=== | ||
Revision as of 03:55, 8 April 2026
English
Etymology
Named after the character [Svengali] in [Trilby] (1894) by [George du Maurier], a hypnotist who exerts manipulative control over others.
Transliteration Pronunciation
- Hangul: 스벤갈리
- Katakana: スベンガリー
- Zhuyin: ㄙㄨㄟ ㄅㄣ ㄍㄚ ㄌㄧ
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
Further reading
[Svengali — Wikipedia] [Trilby (novel) — Wikipedia]