Rasputin

[ ra-spyoo-tin, -tn; Russian ruh-spoo-tyin ]

noun

1. Gri·go·ri E·fi·mo·vich [gri-, gawr, -ee i-, fee, -m, uh, -vich, g, r, yi-, gaw, -, r, yee yi-, fyee, -m, uh, -vyich], c1871–1916, Siberian peasant monk who was very influential at the court of Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra.
2. any person who exercises great but insidious influence.

Rasputin

/ ræˈspjuːtɪn; rasˈputin /

noun

1. RasputinGrigori Efimovich?18711916MRussianRELIGION: monk Grigori Efimovich (ɡriˈɡɔrij jɪˈfiməvitʃ). ?1871–1916, Siberian peasant monk, notorious for his debauchery, who wielded great influence over Tsarina Alexandra. He was assassinated by a group of Russian noblemen

Example Sentences

Now, apparently all is forgiven as Zuckerberg has decided to follow Trump's Rasputin, Elon Musk, and allow right-wing propaganda to flourish on Facebook and Instagram to please the Dear Leader.

From Salon

Corporal Zubak, known as “The Butcher,” full of his own neuroses, becomes a kind of Rasputin, a confidante, dietitian, aide and lover.

From New York Times

At Rosedale-Angelus is a favorite “only in L.A. … and Siberia” grave — that of Anna Rasputin, daughter of the “Mad Monk” who helped pull the plug on the Romanov dynasty.

From Los Angeles Times

The flowing beard and hair that he kept throughout most of his life, coupled with his sometimes caustic intensity, led writers to invoke Rasputin or monasticism in describing Mr. Andre.

From New York Times

Boney M, which formed in 1976, had a string of hit singles including Daddy Cool, Rasputin and Mary's Boy Child.

From BBC