English Explanatory Dictionary

svengali

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. One who manipulates or controls another as by some mesmeric or sinister influence; especially a coach, mentor or industry mogul.
noun
  1. Alternative letter-case form of svengali.

Pronunciation

/svɛŋˈɡɑːli/ /svɛnˈdʒɑːli/

Word forms

svengali svengalis

Etymology

Named for the hypnotist character Svengali in George du Maurier's novel Trilby. More at citations.

Related words

manipulator spin doctor éminence grise power broker kingmaker puppet master string-puller gaslighter
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