puppet

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person, group, or country that is controlled by a more powerful person or group.

n. a person, organisation, or state that is ostensibly independent but actually controlled by an external authority.

“The king was just a puppet, and his advisors made all the real decisions.”

“Historians argue that the local administration was merely a puppet of the occupying forces, lacking any genuine legislative autonomy.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a part of a machine called a lathe that holds a spinning piece of wood or metal.

n. an upright support for the bearing of the spindle in a lathe.

“The engineer adjusted the puppet on the lathe to keep the metal rod steady.”

“Precision in the alignment of the puppet is essential for maintaining the concentricity of the workpiece during high-speed rotation.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to control or move someone as if they were a puppet.

v. to manipulate or control a person or entity in a deceptive or hidden manner.

“He felt that his manager was trying to puppet his every move at work.”

“The shadowy organisation attempted to puppet the election results by funding several rival candidates simultaneously.”