# damsel in distress

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdæm.zəl ɪn dɪˈstɹɛs/

## Definitions
1. A young woman perceived as being helpless in a dangerous situation and requiring rescue.

## Etymology
Calque of French demoiselle en détresse, from the classic theme in many dramatic forms.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/damsel-in-distress