Slaves Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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slaves
[sleษชvz ]
Definitions
human rights
A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slaves |
Used to describe people who are owned by others and are forced to work without pay, typically in contexts discussing history or human rights.
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| bondsmen |
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.
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| captives |
Used to describe someone who has been captured and is kept as a prisoner, usually in the context of war or abduction.
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| servants |
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'.
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Examples of usage
- Slavery was abolished in many countries in the 19th century.
- The slaves were treated inhumanely by their owners.
historical
A person who is excessively dependent on or controlled by something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thrall |
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.
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| vassal |
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.
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| serf |
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.
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Examples of usage
- Many people are slaves to their smartphones.
- She felt like a slave to her job.
informal
Work excessively hard or long hours.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slaves |
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.
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| toil |
Signifies prolonged, strenuous work or effort, often associated with hardship and little reward. It is mainly used to emphasize the difficulty and endurance required.
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| labour |
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.
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| grind |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She was slaving away in the kitchen all day.
- He slaved over his thesis for weeks.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word originates from the Latin 'sclavus', referencing the Slavic people who were often captured and forced into servitude in medieval Europe.
- Slavery has existed in many societies for thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome.
- In the 19th century, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas for labor on plantations.
Cultural Impact
- The legacy of slavery has deeply influenced music genres, notably blues and jazz, which evolved from the experiences of African Americans.
- Slavery's impact is evident in literature, with powerful works portraying the harsh realities faced, such as 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
- Many modern social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, are rooted in the fight against the historical injustices stemming from slavery.
Legal Aspects
- The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed in 1865, abolished slavery in the United States, yet its effects are still felt today.
- International laws and treaties now recognize slavery as a crime against humanity, yet modern forms of slavery still exist globally.
- Many countries continue to struggle with human trafficking, which is often considered a contemporary form of slavery.
Psychological Impact
- Experiences of slavery have lasting psychological effects on descendants, often manifesting as generational trauma.
- Research shows that individuals from historical marginalized communities face higher rates of mental health issues due to historical traumas.
- The concept of identity among descendants of enslaved people ties back to their ancestors' experiences, influencing cultural identity and self-perception.
Modern Day Context
- Today, it's estimated that there are millions of individuals around the world living in conditions of modern slavery, including forced labor and human trafficking.
- Many organizations work towards ending modern slavery, raising awareness and advocating for victims' rights globally.
- The fight against slavery continues to be a significant human rights issue, with activists seeking to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Origin of 'slaves'
The word 'slaves' originated from the Old French word 'esclave', which came from Medieval Latin 'Sclavus', originally meaning 'Slav' because Slavic people were often enslaved in the Middle Ages. The term later broadened to refer to any enslaved person, regardless of ethnicity.
See also: enslave, enslaved, enslavement, slave, slaveholder, slavery, slavish.