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proslavery

American  
[proh-sley-vuh-ree, -sleyv-ree] / proʊˈsleɪ və ri, -ˈsleɪv ri /

adjective

  1. favoring slavery.

  2. U.S. History. favoring the continued enslavement of Black people, or opposed to ending or altering the institution of slavery.


noun

  1. the favoring or support of slavery.

proslavery British  
/ ˌprəʊˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

  1. in favour of or supporting slavery

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • proslaver noun
  • proslaveryism noun

Etymology

Origin of proslavery

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; pro- 1 + slavery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When a Kentucky constitutional convention finally did meet, it was dominated by conservatives who actually strengthened the proslavery laws, to Clay’s chagrin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

But although Johnson, an abolitionist, intended the scene to humanize African Americans, the artwork would go on to be used as proslavery propaganda.

From Washington Post • Dec. 17, 2022

In the alleys behind some of those rowhouses, artist Eastman Johnson had spent time with people who were less than pleased about the election of a proslavery Democrat.

From Washington Post • Dec. 17, 2022

Virginia planter George Fitzhugh took the proslavery argument to its furthest extreme.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

The chief strength of the proslavery argument that emerged from the Deep South delegation in the congressional debate of March 16–17 was its relentless focus on the impractical dimensions of all plans for abolition.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis