Svengali
pronunciation
How to pronounce Svengali in British English:
UK [svenˈgɑ:li]
How to pronounce Svengali in American English:
US
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- Noun:
- someone (usually maleficent) who tries to persuade or force another person to do his bidding
- the musician in a novel by George du Maurier who controls Trilby's singing hypnotically
Word Origin
- Svengali
- "one who exerts controlling or mesmeric influence on another," 1914, from hypnotist character of that name in the novel "Trilby" (1894) by George Du Maurier.
Example
- 1. I sent your money to that goddamn svengali .
- 2. By this sleazy svengali , decided to end the relationship .
- 3. Karl rove , once george bush 's svengali , ascended in part by helping texas businessmen fight trial lawyers for control of that state 's highest court .