Damsel
noun
A young, unmarried woman.
She was a damsel in her early 20s, just graduated from college.
Often appears as...
- damsel in distress
- young damsel
noun
A woman or girl who needs help, often in a romantic context.
The knight saved the damsel who was locked in the tower.
Often appears as...
- damsel in distress
- save the damsel
Usage tips
Disapproving
Literary
noun
A young, unmarried woman.
She was a damsel in her early 20s, just graduated from college.
Often appears as...
- damsel in distress
- young damsel
noun
A woman or girl who needs help, often in a romantic context.
The knight saved the damsel who was locked in the tower.
Often appears as...
- damsel in distress
- save the damsel
Usage tips
Disapproving
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The word 'damsel' is rarely used in modern English and sounds old-fashioned.
In fairy tales, a damsel often awaits rescue.
Pro Tip 2/3Gender Specific
'Damsel' specifically refers to women, and using it for men is incorrect.
The old portrait depicted a damsel with a delicate smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Formal Use
Avoid 'damsel' in formal writing or speech; it may seem out of place.
She portrayed the role of a damsel in the historical play.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The word 'damsel' is rarely used in modern English and sounds old-fashioned.
In fairy tales, a damsel often awaits rescue.
Pro Tip 2/3Gender Specific
'Damsel' specifically refers to women, and using it for men is incorrect.
The old portrait depicted a damsel with a delicate smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Formal Use
Avoid 'damsel' in formal writing or speech; it may seem out of place.
She portrayed the role of a damsel in the historical play.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The word 'damsel' is rarely used in modern English and sounds old-fashioned.
In fairy tales, a damsel often awaits rescue.
Pro Tip 2/3Gender Specific
'Damsel' specifically refers to women, and using it for men is incorrect.
The old portrait depicted a damsel with a delicate smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Formal Use
Avoid 'damsel' in formal writing or speech; it may seem out of place.
She portrayed the role of a damsel in the historical play.
Never forget "Damsel"
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Video examples
Roz Savage: Why I'm...
this damsel was in distress and needed saving. The first I knew about this was when the Coast Guard plane turned up overhead. I tried to tell them to go away. We had a bit of a battle of wills. I lost and got airlifted. Awful, really awful. It was one of the worst feelings of my life,
Video examples
Amelia Earhart Part II:...
bram klepner amelia's great nephew is describing an amelia earhart that many people never hear about when she is re-characterized this way as a fighter for equality she is no longer some captive waiting to be rescued from saipan or the damsel under the red tree
Video examples
If superpowers were...
and you get the chance to save a damsel in distress falling from a helicopter. So, you hold out your arms, hoping to catch her. Seconds later, you will find yourself holding her lifeless body. What happened?
Video examples
Roz Savage: Why I'm...
this damsel was in distress and needed saving. The first I knew about this was when the Coast Guard plane turned up overhead. I tried to tell them to go away. We had a bit of a battle of wills. I lost and got airlifted. Awful, really awful. It was one of the worst feelings of my life,
Video examples
Amelia Earhart Part II:...
bram klepner amelia's great nephew is describing an amelia earhart that many people never hear about when she is re-characterized this way as a fighter for equality she is no longer some captive waiting to be rescued from saipan or the damsel under the red tree
Video examples
If superpowers were...
and you get the chance to save a damsel in distress falling from a helicopter. So, you hold out your arms, hoping to catch her. Seconds later, you will find yourself holding her lifeless body. What happened?
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
Neena Gupta
Indian Actress
The media had built my perception of being a strong woman because of my personal life. I wanted to play the damsel in distress, but I wasn't given an opportunity to explore that kind of a character.
Quote examples
Kerli
Estonian Musician
The fun and imaginative world of Disney is always full of fairytale fantasies. A Disney damsel is creative and resourceful - especially when it comes to beauty tips and tricks!
Quote examples
Brad Meltzer
American Novelist
Remember that you are not a damsel in distress, waiting for some prince to rescue you. Forget that prince. With your brain and your resourcefulness, you can rescue yourself.
Quote examples
Manushi Chhillar
Indian Model
I would like to do an action film, and in which I am doing the action. I don't want to be a damsel in distress. I want to be a superhero. I would love to do that.
Quote examples
Jamie Chung
American Actress
The narrative needs to change. Asian-American actresses don't want to be the damsels in distress anymore. We don't want to be saved, especially by a white man.
Quote examples
Sigourney Weaver
American Actress
When I look around the world, I don't see too many damsels in distress. If they're a damsel in distress, they're manipulating some guy to help them.
Quote examples
Kirsten Dunst
Actress
I just don't want to be the damsel in distress. I'll scream on the balcony, but you've got to let me do a little action here.
Quote examples
Ann Aguirre
American Author
Too often, women are portrayed in two ways: as prizes to be won by men or as damsels in distress.
Quote examples
Scarlett Johansson
American Actress
I don't do damsel in distress very well. It's hard for me to play a victim.
Quote examples
Nicholas Galitzine
English Actor
The idea of the damsel in distress is fast becoming obsolete.
Quote examples
Neena Gupta
Indian Actress
The media had built my perception of being a strong woman because of my personal life. I wanted to play the damsel in distress, but I wasn't given an opportunity to explore that kind of a character.
Quote examples
Kerli
Estonian Musician
The fun and imaginative world of Disney is always full of fairytale fantasies. A Disney damsel is creative and resourceful - especially when it comes to beauty tips and tricks!
Quote examples
Brad Meltzer
American Novelist
Remember that you are not a damsel in distress, waiting for some prince to rescue you. Forget that prince. With your brain and your resourcefulness, you can rescue yourself.
Quote examples
Manushi Chhillar
Indian Model
I would like to do an action film, and in which I am doing the action. I don't want to be a damsel in distress. I want to be a superhero. I would love to do that.
Quote examples
Jamie Chung
American Actress
The narrative needs to change. Asian-American actresses don't want to be the damsels in distress anymore. We don't want to be saved, especially by a white man.
Quote examples
Sigourney Weaver
American Actress
When I look around the world, I don't see too many damsels in distress. If they're a damsel in distress, they're manipulating some guy to help them.
Quote examples
Kirsten Dunst
Actress
I just don't want to be the damsel in distress. I'll scream on the balcony, but you've got to let me do a little action here.
Quote examples
Ann Aguirre
American Author
Too often, women are portrayed in two ways: as prizes to be won by men or as damsels in distress.
Quote examples
Scarlett Johansson
American Actress
I don't do damsel in distress very well. It's hard for me to play a victim.
Quote examples
Nicholas Galitzine
English Actor
The idea of the damsel in distress is fast becoming obsolete.
Example 1 of 10
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