Jezebel

Jezebel is a pejorative term used to describe a woman considered aggressively seductive, immoral, or manipulative. It often carries historical and religious connotations, referencing the biblical figure of Jezebel, the Phoenician princess and wife of King Ahab of Israel, who was notorious for her idolatry, cruelty, and promotion of false gods. The term is now employed in modern usage to express disapproval of a woman's behavior or character, particularly her sexuality or assertiveness. It can imply that a woman is deliberately using her attractiveness to exert control or to act against societal norms, leading to negative judgements.

Jezebel meaning with examples

• After her scandalous affair, the town gossiped about her, labeling her a Jezebel. They believed she deliberately flaunted her beauty to entrap men and destroy marriages, whispering about her supposed immoral behavior and questionable motives. Her confident demeanor and unapologetic approach to life only further fueled the community's condemnation of her perceived lack of modesty and social disgrace.
• The political commentator used the term to criticize the female politician's ambitious tactics, framing her as a Jezebel. He suggested her sharp intellect and willingness to challenge established authority were evidence of manipulative tendencies. His choice of words, rooted in sexism, was viewed as unfairly portraying a woman as ruthlessly ambitious in pursuit of personal power at the expense of others, despite her legitimate political endeavors.
• In the drama, the manipulative antagonist was cleverly depicted as a Jezebel. Her character was driven by selfishness, constantly using her charm and physical appeal to deceive and exploit others for personal gain. Her actions caused chaos within the family dynamics of other characters. The author deliberately evoked the biblical image to portray a female character as scheming and a source of moral decay within the story.
• Despite her accomplishments, the female CEO encountered misogynistic criticism that characterized her as a Jezebel. Some men refused to accept a woman in authority, and they found her direct, assertive management style off-putting. They saw her as a threat to the patriarchal structure within the company and they often belittled her efforts. Using this loaded term reinforced their biases and hindered her professional advancements.