name
Delilah
dih-LEYE-luh
name
1
In the Bible, the woman who betrayed Samson by discovering the secret of his strength.
"The story of Samson and Delilah has inspired countless paintings and films."
noun
1
A seductive, cunning woman who betrays or manipulates a man; a femme fatale.
"The press painted her as a modern-day Delilah out to bring down her powerful husband."
How to Use Delilah
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA biblical name now used generally for a scheming, seductive woman who brings a man down.
Common mistake
This general "femme fatale" use is figurative and can sound old-fashioned or judgmental; it is rarely used as a neutral description.
Word Forms
Delilahs plural
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The story of Samson and _____ has inspired countless paintings and films.
Etymology
From the Hebrew name Dəlila, thought to mean roughly "she who weakened".