antislavery

[ an-tee-sley-vuh-ree, -sleyv-ree, an-tahy- ]

noun

1. opposition to slavery.

adjective

1. of or relating to antislavery:

   The antislavery movement in the United States gained momentum in the early 19th century.

antislavery

/ ˌæntɪˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. opposed to slavery, esp slavery of Black people

Word History and Origins

Origin of antislavery¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20; anti- + slavery

Example Sentences

The city was known for its antislavery rhetoric and as the center of abolitionism, but Black residents endured “casual cruelty” in the work force and were condemned to lives of poverty without the chance for equal employment.

From New York Times

Arguing that slavery is unchristian and cruel, it becomes the most widely distributed antislavery work before the Revolution.

From Literature

Although relatively few in number in America, the Quakers, or the Society of Friends, had been leaders in America’s early antislavery movement.

From Literature

A proslavery mob attacked an abolitionist newspaper and other known antislavery activists.

From Literature

An antislavery coalition forms the Free Soil party and nominates former president Martin Van Buren as its candidate.

From Literature