seduttore

Seduttore is an Italian noun meaning a man who seduces; the feminine form is seduttrice. The term derives from the verb sedurre, to seduce, which in turn comes from Latin seducere, literally “to lead aside.” The agent noun suffix -tore yields a designation for someone who performs the action.

In cultural and literary contexts, seduttore denotes a character who uses charm, rhetoric, or allure to win the affection or desire of others. The archetype is closely linked to the Don Juan/Don Giovanni tradition, where a male seducer pursues romantic conquest, often amid questions of ethics and consequences. In literature, theatre, and opera, such figures are employed to explore themes of desire, power, social norms, and the boundaries of consent.

In contemporary usage, the term can describe someone who treats seduction as a social skill or lifestyle. It is sometimes associated with charisma and confident communication, but it is also discussed critically when seduction relies on manipulation or coercion. Ethical considerations, especially consent and autonomy, are frequently emphasized in modern discourse.

Notes: the feminine form seduttrice is used for women who seduce; in many contexts the masculine form seduttore is used generically. Related concepts include seduzione (seduction) and discussions of ethical seduction in social and psychological contexts.