Slaved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slaved

[sleษชvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'slaved' is the simple past tense of the verb 'slave'. It refers to the act of working extremely hard, often without proper compensation, or knowing that one is bound to labor or servitude. In modern contexts, it can also refer to becoming subservient or giving up autonomy to something, like technology or projects. The usage of this term often conveys a sense of burden or heavy workload.

Synonyms

labored, struggled, toiled, worked hard.

Examples of usage

  • He slaved over his assignments all night.
  • They slaved away in the fields each summer.
  • She felt like she slaved for her boss without recognition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term relates to a dark period in history when people were bought and sold as property, primarily for labor.
  • Slavery has existed in various forms since ancient civilizations, from the Romans to the Egyptians.
  • The word 'slave' comes from the Latin 'sclavus', which referred to the Slavic people, who were often forced into servitude in medieval Europe.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, enslaved individuals have shaped cultures and societies, particularly in areas like music, cuisine, and language.
  • The experience of slavery heavily influenced the development of various art forms, especially in African American culture such as jazz and blues.
  • Symbols of slavery, like the broken chain, represent the struggle for freedom and human rights.

Legal Aspects

  • The abolition movement in the 19th century worked tirelessly to end slavery, leading to significant legal changes in various countries.
  • Internationally, slavery is illegal, yet human trafficking and modern slavery still persist, affecting millions today.
  • In some legal contexts, the term 'slaved' can describe someone being bound by a contract or obligation, likening it back to historic servitude.

Psychological Impact

  • The experience of slavery has long-lasting psychological effects on individuals and communities, often impacting descendants.
  • Research shows that trauma from slavery can manifest in various social and psychological issues within affected populations.
  • Studies indicate that understanding and addressing this historical trauma is vital for healing and reconciliation in post-slavery societies.

Modern Usage

  • Metaphorically, 'slaved' can describe people who feel overworked or controlled in jobs, often leading to a discussion about work-life balance.
  • In technology, to be 'slaved' can mean being connected to a primary device and reliant on it for functions, like a dependent machine in a network.
  • The term also appears in gaming and online culture, where players might use it to describe being overly committed or 'controlled' by gameplay.

Origin of 'slaved'

The word 'slave' comes from the Latin 'sclavus', which means 'Slav', referring historically to the Slavic people who were often captured and enslaved during the early medieval period. The transition from 'sclavus' to 'slave' in Middle English reflects the broader context of servitude across different cultures and eras. The usage of 'slave' evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, particularly in relation to forced labor and servitude. Meanwhile, 'slaved' as a grammatical form emerged from the figurative use of labor-related terms, incorporating both physical and emotional aspects of intense labor. The movement towards modern interpretations has created a more metaphorical sense of being 'enslaved' by obligations, work, or dependencies.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,945 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.