marionette

[/ˌmæriəˈnɛt/]
nounfemininepl: marionettes
marionete
1. A puppet moved by strings or wires attached to its limbs and body
The children watched the marionette dance gracefully across the stage.
As crianças assistiram a marionete dançar graciosamente no palco.
2. A person who is controlled or manipulated by another person or force
He felt like a marionette, unable to make his own decisions.
Ele se sentia como uma marionete, incapaz de tomar suas próprias decisões.
In Brazil, 'marionete' is commonly used in both theatrical contexts and metaphorically in political or social discourse to describe someone who lacks autonomy. The term carries connotations of lack of agency and free will, frequently appearing in critical commentary about leadership and control dynamics.
NYC Slang
puppet
Synonyms / Sinônimos
puppetdollfigurinepawn
Antonyms / Antônimos
autonomous beingfree agentindependent person

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
marionete
Standard term used in theater and metaphorically for controlled persons
Rio de Janeiro
marionete
Common in cultural and theatrical contexts
São Paulo
marionete
Used in both literal and figurative contexts, especially in media
Portugal
marioneta
Alternative spelling used in European Portuguese

Related Words

puppetrypuppet showstringcontrolmanipulationtheatrical

Related Idioms & Phrases

dancing to someone's tune
puppet on a string
controlled by someone else
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