Seductress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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seductress
[sɪˈdʌktrəs ]
Definition
attractive woman
A seductress is a woman who uses her charm and beauty to seduce and manipulate others, often for personal gain or power. She is skilled in the art of seduction and knows how to captivate and entice those around her.
Synonyms
femme fatale, siren, temptress.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seductress |
A woman who uses her charm and allure to attract or influence men, often in a romantic or sexual manner. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
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| temptress |
A woman who tempts someone to do something, especially something morally wrong or forbidden. Often used with a strong negative implication.
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| siren |
Originating from mythological creatures, used metaphorically to describe a dangerously attractive woman whose beauty and charm lure men to their doom. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| femme fatale |
A mysterious and attractive woman who leads men into dangerous or compromising situations, often with a sense of danger or doom. Often used in literature and film noir.
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Examples of usage
- She played the role of the seductress, luring him in with her enchanting smile.
- The seductress used her feminine wiles to get what she wanted.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Seductresses appear in many classic stories, like Delilah in the biblical tale of Samson, who used her charm to achieve her ends.
- In literature, these characters often represent themes of temptation and moral conflict, exploring the power dynamics in relationships.
Pop Culture
- Iconic figures like Cleopatra and characters such as Catwoman in comics epitomize the image of the seductress.
- Modern films often portray seductresses as complex characters, merging allure with intelligence and ambition.
Psychology
- Studies show that charisma and attractiveness can significantly influence social interactions and relationship dynamics.
- The persona of a seductress can evoke different societal reactions, often highlighting cultural standards of beauty and femininity.
Social Dynamics
- The role of a seductress can affect women in various social contexts, sometimes leading to empowerment, but also to stereotypes and assumptions.
- In discussions of gender roles, the seductress archetype raises questions about consent and healthy relationships.
Origin of 'seductress'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin root 'seducere', meaning 'to lead away', combining 'se-' (away) and 'ducere' (to lead).
- Historically, the word has evolved to describe women associated with romance and allure since the early 20th century.
The term seductress dates back to the 17th century and is derived from the word seduce, which comes from the Latin word 'seducere' meaning 'to lead astray'. Throughout history, seductresses have been portrayed in literature, art, and media as femme fatales who use their allure to manipulate men. The concept of the seductress reflects societal views on femininity, power, and sexuality.
See also: seduce, seducer, seducing, seduction, seductive, seductively, seductiveness.