servitude

[ sur-vi-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. slavery or bondage of any kind:

   political or intellectual servitude.

   Synonyms: serfdom, thralldom

   Antonyms: liberty

2. compulsory service or labor as a punishment for criminals:

   penal servitude.

3. Law. a right possessed by one person to use another's property.

servitude

/ ˈsɜːvɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the state or condition of a slave; bondage
2. the state or condition of being subjected to or dominated by a person or thing

   servitude to drink

3. law a burden attaching to an estate for the benefit of an adjoining estate or of some definite person See also easement
4. short for penal servitude

Word History and Origins

Origin of servitude¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin servitūdō, equivalent to servi-, combining form of servus “slave” + -tūdō, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of servitude¹

C15: via Old French from Latin servitūdō, from servus a slave

Synonym Study

See slavery.

Example Sentences

Proposition 6, the ballot measure that would have amended the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude in prison, failed.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters also disagreed with the state party’s endorsements on four other measures, including a failed initiative that sought to ban involuntary servitude in prisons.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent years, seven states have outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude in their constitutions, including Colorado in 2018, Utah and Nebraska in 2020, and Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

Proposition 6 — which would ban “involuntary servitude” as punishment for a crime — lacked majority support in deep-blue California on Wednesday even as supporters promoted it as a way to end what they call modern-day slavery.

From Los Angeles Times

This marks the second failed attempt to ban involuntary servitude and mandatory work requirements for state prisoners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bondage
• enslavement
• serfdom
• subjugation