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Temptress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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temptress

[หˆtemptres ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

seductive woman

A temptress is a woman who tempts or entices someone, especially a man, into some kind of action, typically involving a sexual relationship. She is often portrayed as alluring, mysterious, and dangerous, using her charm and beauty to manipulate others for her own gain.

Synonyms

femme fatale, seductress, siren.

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Word Description / Examples
temptress

This term is often used to describe a woman who is perceived to lead men into temptation, usually in a somewhat negative or judgmental way.

  • She was labeled a temptress for her playful advances at the party
seductress

This word is used to describe a woman who seduces others, often implying that she uses her sexuality or charisma to gain something.

  • He couldn't resist the charms of the seductress, despite knowing she had ulterior motives
siren

Derived from Greek mythology, a siren is a woman whose allure is irresistible but dangerous. This term is often used to give a sense of fantasy or danger.

  • Her voice was like a siren's call, drawing everyone near despite the risks
femme fatale

This term refers to a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare men, often leading them into dangerous or compromising situations. It has a cinematic or literary feel.

  • In the movie, she plays the role of a femme fatale, luring the hero into her deceptive games

Examples of usage

  • She played the role of the temptress, leading him astray with her seductive ways.
  • The temptress lured him into a web of deceit and desire.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, a temptress often represents the archetype of seduction, seen in characters like Delilah from the biblical story of Samson.
  • The character of Lilith in various mythologies is portrayed as a temptress, symbolizing danger and allure, often linked to themes of independence and rebellion.
  • In classic tales, the temptress can lead heroes to their downfall, reminding readers of the complexities of attraction and morality.

Psychology

  • The allure of a temptress taps into psychological concepts of desire and power dynamics, exploring how attraction can influence decision-making.
  • Studies suggest that perceived attractiveness can trigger brain regions associated with reward, highlighting the temptress's ability to captivate attention and manipulate feelings.
  • The concept of the 'femme fatale' in psychology connects to cultural views on women and temptation, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray temptresses as pivotal characters who drive conflict, like the character of Jessica Rabbit from 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.
  • In music, songs like 'Witchy Woman' by Eagles evoke the imagery of a temptress through their lyrics and themes of mysterious allure and danger.
  • The trope is popular in video games as well, with characters that embody the temptress archetype often possessing skills of enthrallment or charm.

History

  • Throughout history, figures such as Cleopatra have been labeled as temptresses, often framed through the lens of their romantic entanglements with powerful men.
  • Cultural narratives have often demonized women with strong sexual identities, using the term 'temptress' to blame them for men's downfalls.
  • During the Victorian era, the notion of the temptress was used to represent fears surrounding female sexuality and independence, leading to societal double standards.

Origin of 'temptress'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'tempress', which is derived from the Old French 'temprer', meaning to mix or blend, reflecting the idea of blending attraction with danger.
  • Its root traces back to the Latin word 'temptare', meaning 'to try or test', indicating the concept of testing someone's willpower.
  • Initially associated with misleading or seductive behavior in literature, the term evolved to encompass broader meanings of allure and manipulation.

The word 'temptress' originated from the Middle English term 'temptresse,' which came from the Old French word 'temptresse,' ultimately derived from the Latin word 'temptare,' meaning 'to try, to test, to tempt.' The concept of the temptress has been present in various cultures and mythologies throughout history, often symbolizing the allure and danger of feminine seduction.

See also: tempt, temptation, tempter, tempting, temptingly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,836 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.