Slaves: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe people who are owned by others and are forced to work without pay, typically in contexts discussing history or human rights.

• Enslaved people were forced to work on plantations
• Discussions about slavery often focus on the injustices faced by slaves

An older term, often found in historical texts, referring to men who were bound to serve someone else, usually under a feudal or legal obligation.

• The bondsmen owed their services to the lord of the manor
• In medieval times, bondsmen were crucial to the feudal system

Used to describe someone who has been captured and is kept as a prisoner, usually in the context of war or abduction.

• The captives were held in a remote camp until negotiations for their release began
• The story of the captives made headlines worldwide

Refers to people employed to perform domestic duties, and may include a range of roles from housekeeping to cooking. It is less harsh and more neutral than 'slave'.

• The servants prepared dinner and cleaned the house
• Many wealthy households employed servants to help with daily chores

An archaic term often used in historical or fantasy contexts to describe someone in a state of servitude or bondage. It can also mean being under someone's power or influence.

• The kingdom was filled with thralls who served the ruling class.
• He felt in thrall to the charismatic leader, unable to resist his commands.

In a feudal system, a vassal is someone who owes allegiance and services to a lord in return for land and protection. Unlike slaves or serfs, vassals often have their own land and some degree of independence.

• The vassal pledged his loyalty to the king in exchange for a piece of land.
• In return for the fief, the vassal provided military support to his lord.

Refers to a person in feudal Europe who is tied to the land and subject to the will of a landlord. They work the land in return for protection and a place to live but have very limited freedom.

• In medieval times, serfs worked on the lord's land and were part of the feudal system.
• The novel depicted the harsh life of serfs in the Middle Ages.

Refers to individuals forced to work without freedom or pay and often treated inhumanly. This term has a strong negative connotation and is rooted in historical contexts.

• During the 18th century, many African slaves were brought to America against their will.
• He felt like a slave to his job, with no time for his own life.

Signifies prolonged, strenuous work or effort, often associated with hardship and little reward. It is mainly used to emphasize the difficulty and endurance required.

• Farmers often toil in the fields from sunrise to sunset.
• Despite his constant toil, he felt unappreciated and underpaid.

Defines physical or mental work, especially work done for money. It can also refer to the effort put into a task or the workforce as a collective. The term is neutral and often used in economic or professional settings.

• The construction of the new bridge required many hours of hard labour.
• He was proud of his labour and the product it produced.

Implies hard, monotonous work or effort, often repeated over a long period of time. This term is frequently used to describe daily routines or challenging tasks.

• The daily grind of commuting to work can be exhausting.
• She had to grind through hours of study to prepare for her exams.