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View synonyms for servitude

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
“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


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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of servitude1

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

See slavery.
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Example Sentences

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.

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

The measure would eliminate “involuntary servitude” from the state Constitution, which currently bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

California is one of eight states that still allows involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.

Proposition 6 asks California voters to amend the state Constitution to ban involuntary servitude, which would end forced labor in state prisons.

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servitorServius Tullius