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Enslavement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enslavement

[ษชnหˆsleษชvmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

history

The action of making someone a slave, subjecting someone to the condition of being owned and controlled by another person.

Synonyms

bondage, captivity, subjugation.

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Word Description / Examples
enslavement

Refers to the condition in which individuals are forced into servitude and lack personal freedom. It is often used in historical contexts related to the transatlantic slave trade.

  • The enslavement of people from Africa had a profound impact on history.
  • He wrote extensively about the horrors of enslavement and its lasting effects.
subjugation

Implies domination and control by force, placing someone or something under complete control. It has a broad usage often related to colonial rule or oppression.

  • The subjugation of indigenous peoples had devastating effects on their cultures.
  • She fought against the subjugation of women in her society.
bondage

Usually denotes a state of being bound or confined, often related to slavery or forced labor. It can also have a metaphorical use, signifying a lack of freedom.

  • The prisoners were held in bondage for years.
  • She struggled to free herself from the emotional bondage of her past.
captivity

Describes the condition of being imprisoned or confined, but not necessarily in the context of slavery. Often used to describe animals or prisoners of war.

  • The soldiers were held in captivity for several months.
  • The zoo aimed to recreate natural habitats for animals in captivity.

Examples of usage

  • Enslavement was a common practice in ancient civilizations.
  • The enslavement of African people was a dark chapter in American history.
Context #2 | Noun

modern society

The state of being dominated or controlled by something, such as addiction, fear, or oppressive systems.

Synonyms

control, domination, subjection.

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Word Description / Examples
enslavement

This term is used to describe the act of making someone a slave, often in a historical or severe context. It has a very negative connotation.

  • The documentary focused on the enslavement of African people during the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Enslavement of any human being is a grave violation of human rights.
domination

This typically implies having power over others in a way that suggests superiority or aggression, and often has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • His desire for domination made him unpopular among his peers.
  • Political domination by a single party can lead to corruption.
control

This term can describe the act of directing or regulating something or someone. It does not necessarily have a negative connotation but can be neutral or positive depending on the context.

  • The manager has control over the teamโ€™s project schedules.
  • Parents often exert some control over their children's screen time.
subjection

This term refers to the act of bringing someone under control, often by force, and can have a negative connotation.

  • The history of the nation's subjection to foreign rulers is marked by resistance.
  • Her subjection to constant criticism damaged her self-esteem.

Examples of usage

  • The enslavement of technology has become a growing concern in our society.
  • The enslavement of consumerism keeps people trapped in a cycle of materialism.
Context #3 | Verb

literature

To make someone a slave, to subject someone to the condition of being owned and controlled by another person.

Synonyms

dominate, ensnare, subjugate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enslavement

Use 'enslavement' when discussing a situation where individuals or groups are forcefully made to serve others without freedom. This term often relates to historical or serious discussions about human rights abuses.

  • The history books discuss the enslavement of many African people during the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Enslavement is a crime against humanity and a grave violation of human rights.
ensnare

Use 'ensnare' to describe trapping or catching someone or something in a figurative or literal net. Often used with negative connotations, implying deceit or danger.

  • The detective ensnared the criminal with a clever trap.
  • Investors were ensnared by the fraudulent scheme.
subjugate

Use 'subjugate' when referring to bringing someone or something under control or domination, often through force. This term often appears in discussions about oppression and can have negative connotations.

  • The empire sought to subjugate the smaller nations in its quest for power.
  • The dictator's regime subjugated the population, denying them basic freedoms.
dominate

Use 'dominate' when referring to a situation where someone or something has significant control or influence over others, often in a competitive or authoritative context. It can be used in both positive and negative senses.

  • The team dominated the game from start to finish.
  • She tends to dominate the conversation with her strong opinions.

Examples of usage

  • The evil sorcerer sought to enslave the princess with his dark magic.
  • The protagonist vowed to free his people from the tyranny that enslaved them.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice dates back thousands of years, with evidence of enslavement found in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia.
  • Enslavement was often justified by the belief that certain people were less human or deserved to be controlled.
  • Slave trade became prominent during the 16th to 19th centuries, transporting millions of Africans to the Americas.

Legal Perspectives

  • The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, passed in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
  • Various international laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, state that slavery is not acceptable under any circumstance.
  • Modern forms of enslavement, often referred to as human trafficking, continue to be a pressing issue worldwide.

Cultural Impact

  • Music, literature, and art have expressed the horrors and resistance against enslavement, with notable figures like Frederick Douglass highlighting its impact.
  • In the United States, the legacy of slavery is a major point in discussions about race, equality, and justice.
  • Films and novels often depict stories of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, raising awareness about the historical trauma.

Psychological Effects

  • Survivors of enslavement often experience severe trauma, which can affect their mental health and sense of identity.
  • Research indicates that generational trauma can persist in the descendants of enslaved individuals, affecting families for generations.
  • The effects of enslavement on societal structures can lead to lasting inequalities and systemic challenges.

Modern Context

  • Slavery today exists in many forms, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and child soldiers, often referred to as contemporary slavery.
  • Organizations worldwide work towards abolishing modern slavery, raising awareness and providing support for victims.
  • Legal definitions of enslavement can differ, leading to challenges in identifying and addressing this complex issue.

Origin of 'enslavement'

The word 'enslavement' has its origin in the late 16th century, derived from the word 'enslave' with the suffix '-ment'. The practice of enslavement has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations where people were captured and forced into servitude. The transatlantic slave trade further institutionalized the system of enslavement, leading to the widespread exploitation and oppression of African people. Today, the term is used not only in the context of physical slavery but also in metaphorical senses to describe various forms of domination and control.

See also: enslave, enslaved, slave, slaveholder, slavery, slaves, slavish.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,739, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.