Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
stepford-wife
Noun
/ˈstɛp.fɚd waɪf/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Submissive wife
- Cookie-cutter wife
- Perfect homemaker