Rasputin
[ra-spyoo-tin, -tn; Russian ruh-spoo-tyin]
- 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.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for rasputin
Contemporary Examples
She spoke with Jane Ciabattari about playing with Russian history and the Rasputin myth.
Part of what Rasputin did for the royal family was healing their youngest.
The gossip of the time speculated that Rasputin was having sex with the tsarina and her daughters.
Historical Examples
Rasputin had been lured to the house of Prince Felix and there killed.
On reporting to Rasputin next day, he rubbed his hands with delight.
The Minister of EvilWilliam Le Queux
When Rasputin was informed by telephone of the Emperor's departure he became furious.
The Minister of EvilWilliam Le Queux
More than that, Rasputin became even a matter of concern to Europe.
The Minister of EvilWilliam Le Queux
"Yes, but we must not alarm the public too greatly," Rasputin replied.
The Minister of EvilWilliam Le Queux
Rasputin
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper