temptress
/'temptris/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive; a woman who tempts or entices someone, especially into sexual activity or wrongdoing, by using her charm and attractiveness.
Usage
The word "temptress" is used to describe a woman whose allure is perceived as powerful, deliberate, and potentially dangerous or morally compromising. It carries a strong connotation of seduction and often implies a negative judgment or a warning about her influence. It is a literary and somewhat archaic term.
Examples
- In mythology, Circe is often portrayed as a temptress who lured sailors to her island.
- The novel's villainess is a classic temptress, using her beauty to manipulate the hero.
- He felt powerless to resist the charms of the mysterious temptress.
Advanced Usage
- Archaic/Literary Use: The term is most common in classic literature, mythology, and historical contexts. In modern usage, it can sound dated or overly dramatic.
- Figurative Use: It can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something that is alluring but dangerous.
- The promise of easy money was a temptress that led him to ruin.
Variants and Related Words
- Tempt (verb): To entice or attract someone to do something, often something unwise or wrong.
- Temptation (noun): The desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise, or the thing that causes such a desire.
- Seductress (noun): A very close synonym, emphasizing the act of seduction.
- Siren (noun): From Greek mythology, a creature whose singing lured sailors to shipwreck; used metaphorically for a dangerously attractive woman.
Synonyms
- Seductress
- Siren
- Enchantress
- Femme fatale
- Mata Hari
Antonyms
- Prude
- Innocent
Idioms and Related Phrases
- Femme fatale: A French phrase adopted into English with a very similar meaning to "temptress"—a mysterious and seductive woman who brings danger or disaster to the men who become involved with her.
Noun
- a woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive