puppet
puppet Lexical Profile
puppet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A movable model of a person, animal, or creature, typically moved either by strings controlled from above or by a hand inside it.
"The children were captivated by the intricate wooden puppets dancing on the small stage."
A person, group, or country that appears to be independent but is actually under the covert control of another powerful entity.
"The newly installed prime minister was widely seen by the public as a mere puppet of the military generals."
• verb
To control or manipulate someone or something from behind the scenes, as if pulling strings.
"The deposed dictator successfully puppeted the shadow government from his exile abroad."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used metaphorically to describe a person or government, 'puppet' carries a strong negative and critical connotation, implying a lack of agency and covert manipulation by a more powerful entity.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'popet', borrowed from Middle French 'poupette', a diminutive of 'poupée' meaning 'doll', ultimately from Latin 'pupa' (girl, doll).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.