Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dangerously seductive woman: A "femme fatale" is a stock character, often in literature, film, or art, who is a mysterious and beautiful woman. Her charms and allure lead men into dangerous, compromising, or deadly situations. She is an archetype of a temptress.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The film noir featured a classic femme fatale who used her wit and beauty to manipulate the detective.
  • In the spy novel, the protagonist was ensnared by a femme fatale working for the enemy.
  • She played the role of the femme fatale perfectly, captivating everyone with a single glance.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metaphorically to describe a person, situation, or thing that is alluring but ultimately destructive or problematic.
  • The promise of quick profits was the femme fatale that led many investors to ruin.
• It is frequently associated with specific genres, such as film noir, detective fiction, and certain styles of art and photography.

Variants and Related Words

• Siren (n): In mythology, a creature whose singing lured sailors to shipwreck; used figuratively for a dangerously attractive woman. (A close synonym, though "siren" emphasizes a captivating voice or call.)
• Temptress (n): A woman who tempts or entices someone, often into sin or danger. (A more general synonym.)
• Enchantress (n): A woman who uses magic or charm to captivate or control others. (Emphasizes a magical or spellbinding allure.)
• Seductress (n): A woman who seduces someone. (Focuses on the act of seduction.)

Synonyms

• Siren
• Temptress
• Seductress
• Enchantress
• Maneater (informal)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While "femme fatale" itself is the primary term, it is central to the idiom: "to play the femme fatale".
  • The actress was known for her ability to play the femme fatale in period dramas.
• The concept is related to the idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing," which describes something dangerous disguised as something harmless, though the latter is not gender-specific.

Noun

1. a woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive