damsel in distress

[ dam-zuhl in di-stres ]

noun

1. a person, usually a young woman, who needs to be rescued from danger or trouble of some kind:

   This plumber is worth his weight in gold, and I would like to thank him for going out of his way to help this damsel in distress.

2. Sometimes Damsel in Distress. a trope or narrative device in movies, books, games, etc., portraying a female character as a victim in need of rescue:

   It has an exotic locale, the classic battle of man against nature, and, of course, a damsel in distress.

Word History and Origins

Origin of damsel in distress¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

See recent attempts by Disney to broaden the scope of its Marvel and Star Wars franchises, or Nintendo this month transforming its popular damsel in distress Princess Zelda into a hero.

From Los Angeles Times

“Taylor often played the part of a damsel in distress or an overlooked romantic interest using theatrical costuming,” writes Sarah Chapelle in “Taylor Swift Style” — out Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Her performance adds an additional layer of mystery in that it is never quite clear whether she is a manipulative femme fatale, a damsel in distress or a woman just trying to figure herself out.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s a talented player who’s learning the ropes, not a damsel in distress.

From Los Angeles Times

The minute Furiosa starts gnawing on her captor’s fuel line, though, Miller makes it clear that this wee captive is no damsel in distress.

From New York Times