slavery

[ sley-vuh-ree, sleyv-ree ]

noun

1. the condition of being enslaved, held, or owned as human chattel or property; bondage.

   Synonyms: enthrallment, thralldom

2. a practice or institution that treats or recognizes some human beings as the legal property of others.
3. a state of subjection like that of a slave:

   He longed to escape the slavery of drug addiction.

4. severe toil; drudgery.

   Synonyms: labor, moil

slavery

/ ˈsleɪvərɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power over another and controls his life, liberty, and fortune
2. the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work
3. the condition of being subject to some influence or habit
4. work done in harsh conditions for low pay

Other Words From

• pre·slaver·y adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slavery¹

First recorded in 1545–55; slav(e) + -ery

Synonym Study

Slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by an owner or master: to be sold into slavery. Bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master. Servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by a legal penalty: penal servitude.

Example Sentences

Nevada voters decisively passed a similar measure that, in contrast to California’s initiative, used the word “slavery.”

From Los Angeles Times

The section directly targets the 1619 Project by the New York Times, which ties the founding of the United States to its history of slavery and racism.

From Los Angeles Times

But sponsors stretched the English language when they pitched it as ending the last vestiges of “slavery.”

From Los Angeles Times

“But you can’t be surprised that the white African guy’s first idea is slavery.”

From Salon

The California measure, he said, didn’t create a similar sense of urgency or shock because it lacked the word “slavery.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bondage
• captivity
• enslavement
• serfdom
• servitude
• subjugation