Associations to the word «Svengali»

Wiktionary

SVENGALI, noun. One who manipulates or controls another as by some mesmeric or sinister influence; especially a coach, mentor or industry mogul.

Dictionary definition

SVENGALI, noun. Someone (usually maleficent) who tries to persuade or force another person to do his bidding.
SVENGALI, noun. The musician in a novel by George du Maurier who controls Trilby's singing hypnotically.

Wise words

To use the same words is not a sufficient guarantee of understanding; one must use the same words for the same genus of inward experience; ultimately one must have one's experiences in common.
Friedrich Nietzsche