Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A dangerously seductive woman: A woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive, often one who uses her charm to betray or ruin a man.
   • (Biblical) The Philistine mistress of Samson: In the Old Testament, Delilah is the Philistine woman who betrayed the Israelite hero Samson by discovering the secret of his strength (his uncut hair) and having it cut off while he slept, thus depriving him of his power.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Biblical context):
  • In the biblical story, Delilah was bribed by the Philistine lords to discover the secret of Samson's strength.
  • Samson's love for Delilah ultimately led to his capture.
• Proper noun (Figurative, modern context):
  • He was ruined by a modern-day Delilah who stole his business secrets.
  • The tabloids portrayed her as a Delilah who ensnared wealthy men.

Advanced Usage

• "A Delilah figure": Used to describe a character, either in literature or in real life, who embodies the traits of betrayal through seduction.
  • In the film, the femme fatale is a classic Delilah figure, using her beauty to manipulate the protagonist.
• Capitalization: As a proper noun, it is always capitalized ("Delilah"). When used figuratively as a common noun ("a delilah"), it is often but not always lowercase, though the capitalized form is more standard to maintain the direct allusion.

Variants and Related Words

• Femme fatale (n): A stock character of a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. This is a close synonym for the figurative use of "Delilah."
• Seductress (n): A woman who seduces someone, especially one who uses her sexual attractiveness to lead men astray.
• Betrayer (n): A person who betrays someone or something. This captures the key action of the biblical Delilah.

Synonyms

• Temptress: A woman who tempts someone, especially into sexual activity or sin.
• Siren: (From Greek mythology) A creature who lured sailors to destruction with her enchanting song; figuratively, a dangerously attractive woman.
• Enchantress: A woman who uses magic or sorcery; a fascinating or alluring woman.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To play Delilah": To act the part of a seductive betrayer. This phrase is derived directly from the story.
  • In the corporate espionage case, she was accused of playing Delilah to gain access to the company's data.
• "Samson and Delilah": Used as a phrase to denote a relationship where one partner (the "Delilah") brings about the downfall of the other (the "Samson") through betrayal.
  • Their tumultuous relationship was a real-life Samson and Delilah saga.

Noun

1. a woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive
2. (Old Testament) the Philistine mistress of Samson who betrayed him by cutting off his hair and so deprived him of his strength