Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

stepford-wife

Noun

/ˈstɛp.fɚd waɪf/

Definition

A term used to describe a woman who is excessively obedient or submissive to her husband, often to the point of being artificial or lacking individuality.

Examples

She always dressed impeccably, like a true Stepford wife, but many wondered what she really wanted in life.
The movie satirizes the ideal of the Stepford wife by presenting the darker side of conformity.
He jokingly referred to his partner as a Stepford wife for her relentless attention to household perfection.

Meaning

The term originates from the 1972 novel ‘The Stepford Wives’ by Ira Levin, where a suburban community is depicted as having women who are perfect homemakers, seemingly devoid of independent thought or desires.