Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

stepford

adjective

/ˈstɛp.fərd/

Definition

Referring to a place or situation where people, especially women, seem overly compliant, perfect, or lacking individuality, often in a superficial way.

Examples

The stepford mentality in the community made it difficult for anyone to express dissenting opinions.
She felt suffocated by the stepford atmosphere of her surroundings, where everyone conformed to unrealistic standards.

Meaning

The term is derived from the fictional town of Stepford in the novel and film ‘The Stepford Wives,’ where the wives are portrayed as perfect homemakers who have abandoned their independent identities.