Enslaved: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the state of being forced into slavery or severe oppression without freedom. This term has a strong historical and emotional connotation, often related to issues of severe human rights violations.

• Millions of people were enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade.
• The novel tells the story of an enslaved woman fighting for her freedom.

Frequently used to describe being trapped or caught in a literal or metaphorical sense, often through deceit or cunning. This word can be used in a variety of contexts, from physical traps to being caught in a difficult situation.

• He was ensnared in a web of lies and deceit.
• The rabbit was ensnared in the hunter's trap.

Used to describe the act of bringing someone or something under domination or control, often by force. It has a strong connotation of oppression and dominance, commonly used in historical, social, and political contexts.

• The invading forces subjugated the local population.
• The rebels refused to be subjugated by the authoritarian regime.

This can refer to a form of servitude where a person is bound to work for someone due to debt or legal obligation. The term 'bonded labor' is often used in discussions about modern slavery, particularly in South Asia.

• Many workers in the region are bonded laborers, trapped by debts they can never repay.
• The child's father had to take a bonded job to pay off the family debts.