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Slavery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slavery

[ˈsleɪvəri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical

The state of being a slave; the practice or system of owning slaves.

Synonyms

bondage, enslavement, servitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slavery

Used to describe the state of being owned by another person and being forced to work without any personal freedom. It often refers to the historical period, especially in the context of the transatlantic slave trade.

  • Slavery in the United States was officially abolished in 1865.
  • The movie depicts the brutal reality of slavery in the 19th century.
bondage

Similar to slavery, but can also be used in a broader, metaphorical sense to describe being controlled or limited by something, not necessarily a person. Often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • He escaped the bondage of addiction after many years of struggle.
  • The prisoners were kept in bondage and forced to work in harsh conditions.
servitude

Refers to a condition where a person is forced to work for another without proper compensation or rights. This term can be used to describe both historical and contemporary situations.

  • Indentured servitude was a common practice in the colonies before the abolition of slavery.
  • Victims of human trafficking often find themselves in a state of servitude.
enslavement

Highlights the process or condition of becoming or being made a slave. It is often used to emphasize the act of subjugation and deprivation of freedom.

  • The enslavement of indigenous peoples was a tragic part of colonial history.
  • Modern forms of enslavement still exist in various parts of the world.

Examples of usage

  • Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865.
  • The abolition of slavery was a significant milestone in the fight for human rights.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

The state of being excessively dependent on or controlled by something.

Synonyms

control, domination, subjugation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slavery

Refers specifically to the historical practice where people were owned by others and forced to work without pay. Often carries a very negative and serious connotation.

  • The abolition of slavery was a major turning point in history.
  • The movie depicted the horrors of slavery in the 18th century.
subjugation

Refers to the act of bringing someone or something under control, often by force. It has a highly negative connotation and is commonly used in historical or oppressive contexts.

  • The subjugation of the local population by the invading forces was brutal.
  • The story details the subjugation of the indigenous tribes.
domination

Implies a situation where one person or group has more power and exerts influence or command over others. Often used in negative or competitive contexts.

  • The team's domination of the league was clear from the beginning.
  • The company's market domination left little room for competitors.
control

Used in various contexts where one has the power to influence or direct behavior or the course of events. It doesn't always carry a negative connotation and is often used in everyday conversations.

  • She has good control over her emotions.
  • The manager seeks to control all aspects of the project.

Examples of usage

  • Many people feel trapped in the slavery of addiction.
  • The modern world is often described as being in the slavery of technology.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of slavery dates back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Mesopotamia, where enslaved individuals were often prisoners of war.
  • In ancient Greece, slaves were considered essential for the economy and could even earn money to buy their freedom.
  • Transatlantic slavery mainly involved the forced transport of millions from Africa to the Americas, profoundly impacting both continents' societies and economies.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have created powerful literature and art that reflect on the themes of freedom and human rights, highlighting the pain of slavery's legacy.
  • In African American culture, music genres like spirituals and blues originated as forms of expression and coping mechanisms amidst the struggles of slavery.
  • The symbol of the broken chains is often used in movements advocating for freedom and human rights, representing the ongoing fight against oppression.

Legal and Political Aspects

  • The abolition movement in the 18th and 19th centuries aimed to end slavery and was led by individuals like Frederick Douglass and William Wilberforce.
  • The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States, although forms of exploitation still persist today.
  • International treaties like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasize the importance of freedom, highlighting that no one should be subjected to slavery in any form.

Modern-Day Implications

  • Today, human trafficking and forced labor continue to be modern forms of slavery, affecting millions around the world, especially vulnerable populations.
  • Organizations globally work to combat human trafficking, educating communities and advocating for better laws to protect human rights.
  • Understanding the historical context of slavery helps societies recognize and address ongoing inequalities and injustices that started from that period.

Psychological Impact

  • Survivors of slavery and human trafficking often face long-term psychological effects, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
  • The stigma associated with slavery and its descendants can perpetuate cycles of trauma in affected communities.
  • Education about the history of slavery can contribute to healing and understanding among communities and foster dialogue about rights and justice.

Origin of 'slavery'

The word 'slavery' originated from the Middle English 'sclaueyrie', which was derived from Old French 'esclaverie', and ultimately from Medieval Latin 'sclavus' meaning 'Slav' (referring to the Slavic peoples who were often captured and sold as slaves in medieval Europe). The institution of slavery has a long history, with various forms existing in different cultures and periods. Slavery was widely practiced in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt, and continued through the transatlantic slave trade to the Americas. The abolitionist movements of the 18th and 19th centuries led to the gradual outlawing of slavery in many countries around the world.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,985, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.