Rasputin

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

noun

Gri·go·ri E·fi·mo·vich [gri-gawr-ee i-fee-muh-vich; Russian gryi-gaw-ryee yi-fyee-muh-vyich] /grɪˈgɔr i ɪˈfi mə vɪtʃ; Russian gryɪˈgɔ ryi yɪˈfyi mə vyɪtʃ/, 1871–1916, Siberian peasant monk who was very influential at the court of Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra.
any person who exercises great but insidious influence.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for rasputin

Contemporary Examples of rasputin

She spoke with Jane Ciabattari about playing with Russian history and the Rasputin myth.
Kathryn Harrison on Rasputin in New Novel 'Enchantments'
Jane Ciabattari
March 29, 2012
Part of what Rasputin did for the royal family was healing their youngest.
Kathryn Harrison on Rasputin in New Novel 'Enchantments'
Jane Ciabattari
March 29, 2012
The gossip of the time speculated that Rasputin was having sex with the tsarina and her daughters.
Kathryn Harrison on Rasputin in New Novel 'Enchantments'
Jane Ciabattari
March 29, 2012

Historical Examples of rasputin

Rasputin had been lured to the house of Prince Felix and there killed.
The Story of the Great War, Volume VI (of VIII)
Various
On reporting to Rasputin next day, he rubbed his hands with delight.
The Minister of Evil
William Le Queux
When Rasputin was informed by telephone of the Emperor's departure he became furious.
The Minister of Evil
William Le Queux
More than that, Rasputin became even a matter of concern to Europe.
The Minister of Evil
William Le Queux
"Yes, but we must not alarm the public too greatly," Rasputin replied.
The Minister of Evil
William Le Queux

British Dictionary definitions for rasputin

Rasputin

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rasputin

Rasputin

acquired name (Russian, literally "debauchee") of Grigory Yefimovich Novykh (c.1872-1916), mystic and faith healer who held sway over court of Nicholas II of Russia. His nickname is from his doctrine of "rebirth through sin," that true holy communion must be preceded by immersion in sin. His name used figuratively in English from 1937 for anyone felt to have an insidious and corrupting influence.