noun
temptress
TEHMP-trehs
noun
1
A woman who deliberately uses her charm or attractiveness to lure or manipulate someone.
"In the film, she plays a temptress who lures the detective off the case."
How to Use Temptress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA seductive woman who lures people (usually men) into doing what she wants.
When to use it
A somewhat old-fashioned, often literary or cinematic term; can sound dated or loaded in everyday speech.
Word Forms
temptresses plural
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In the film, she plays a _____ who lures the detective off the case.
Etymology
From tempter + the feminine suffix -ess.