Slavery: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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