enslave

[ en-sleyv ]

verb (used with object)

, en·slaved, en·slav·ing.

1. to make a slave of; hold (someone) in slavery or bondage:

   Spartacus was enslaved by the Romans, fought as a gladiator, and later led an insurrection in 73 B.C.

   Synonyms: dominate, control, shackle, enchain

   Antonyms: release, liberate, free

enslave

/ ɪnˈsleɪv /

verb

1. tr to make a slave of; reduce to slavery; subjugate

Derived Forms

• enˈslaver, noun
• enˈslavement, noun

Other Words From

• en·slave·ment noun
• en·slav·er noun
• re·en·slave verb (used with object) reenslaved reenslaving
• re·en·slave·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enslave¹

First recorded in 1635–45; en- ¹ + slave

Example Sentences

Racist text messages are targeting Black Americans across the country, telling them they've been selected to be enslaved and forced to pick cotton on a plantation.

From Salon

The proposed constitutional amendment is part of a reparations package for descendants of African Americans enslaved in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

One of them, an intricately carved throne, expresses the Kingdom of Dahomey’s expansionist practice of enslaving captured enemies.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, the Royal African Company, founded in the 17th Century under royal patronage, has been claimed as transporting more enslaved people from Africa across the Atlantic than any other company.

From BBC

It is estimated that between 1500 and 1800 around 12 -15 million people were trafficked from African countries to be used as enslaved labour in the Caribbean, North, Central and South America.

From BBC

Related Words

• coerce
• deprive
• disenfranchise
• imprison
• incarcerate
• oppress
• shackle
• subjugate
• suppress