Enslaver: meaning, definitions and examples

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enslaver

 

[ ɪnˈsleɪvər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

oppressive

A person who holds others in slavery; a person who enslaves others.

Synonyms

despot, oppressor, slaveholder, tyrant.

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Word Description / Examples
enslaver

This term is used to describe a person who captures, controls, and forces people into slavery. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in discussions about historical or modern slavery.

  • The enslaver brutally controlled the lives of the captives.
  • Historical records show that the enslaver owned hundreds of slaves.
oppressor

An 'oppressor' is a general term for someone who treats others in a cruel or unjust manner, often in a context of social, political, or economic control.

  • The oppressor imposed strict laws that marginalized the minority community.
  • She spoke out against the oppressors who denied them their rights.
tyrant

A 'tyrant' describes a leader who uses power in a cruel and unjust way, often synonymously with 'dictator'. It is frequently used in both historical and contemporary political discussions.

  • The citizens revolted against the tyrant who had ruled for decades.
  • She wrote a book about the fall of the infamous tyrant.
despot

A 'despot' refers to a ruler who holds absolute power and exercises it in an oppressive or harsh manner. This word is typically used in the context of governments or leadership.

  • The king ruled like a despot, allowing no dissent.
  • Under the despot's rule, the people had no freedoms.
slaveholder

This term specifically refers to someone who owns slaves. It is used primarily in historical contexts, such as discussions about slavery in the United States.

  • The slaveholder maintained a large plantation using forced labor.
  • Documents from the 1800s list him as one of the largest slaveholders in the state.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a cruel enslaver who treated his slaves with extreme brutality.
  • The history books often portray him as a ruthless enslaver who exploited the labor of countless individuals.
  • The enslaver had complete control over the lives of those he enslaved, dictating their every move.
  • Many revolts were sparked by the inhumane treatment of the enslavers towards their slaves.
  • The abolition of slavery was a significant step towards the liberation of those held captive by their enslavers.

Etymology

The term 'enslaver' originated in the 17th century, derived from the word 'enslave' which means to make someone a slave. Enslavement has a long history throughout various civilizations, where individuals were forced into servitude against their will. The practice of enslaving others has been a dark stain on humanity, leading to movements and revolutions seeking to abolish such oppressive systems.