Thralldom: meaning, definitions and examples
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thralldom
[ ˈθrɔːldəm ]
state of bondage
Thralldom refers to the state of being a thrall or a slave, indicating a condition of servitude or subjugation. It can also imply a loss of freedom or autonomy, often used in historical contexts, particularly concerning feudal systems. The term encapsulates the various ways in which individuals may be controlled or dominated by others.
Synonyms
bondage, servitude, slavery, subjugation
Examples of usage
- He was born into thralldom and lived his entire life in servitude.
- The documentary explores the thralldom of certain populations throughout history.
- The abolition of thralldom was a significant step towards human rights.
- Thralldom was common in ancient societies, where the powerful exploited the weak.
Translations
Translations of the word "thralldom" in other languages:
🇵🇹 servidão
🇮🇳 गुलामी
🇩🇪 Leibeigenschaft
🇮🇩 perbudakan
🇺🇦 дослуговування
🇵🇱 niewolnictwo
🇯🇵 隷属
🇫🇷 servitude
🇪🇸 servidumbre
🇹🇷 kölelik
🇰🇷 노예 상태
🇸🇦 عبودية
🇨🇿 otrokovství
🇸🇰 poddanstvo
🇨🇳 奴役
🇸🇮 suženjstvo
🇮🇸 þrælkun
🇰🇿 құлдық
🇬🇪 მონობა
🇦🇿 köləlik
🇲🇽 esclavitud
Etymology
The term 'thralldom' is derived from the Old Norse word 'þræll', meaning 'thrall' or 'slave'. This word was used in medieval Scandinavia to describe individuals who were bound to serve others, similar to the modern conception of slavery. The concept of thralldom was prevalent in various cultures, particularly in Viking societies where enslaved people were an essential part of the economy and domestic life. Over time, as societies evolved and the moral implications of slavery began to be questioned, the term 'thralldom' came to denote not only the condition of being a thrall but also the broader implications of human rights and the struggle for freedom. The historical significance of thralldom is evident in literature, legal documents, and social discussions, particularly during periods of abolition and reform, where the injustices of bondage were increasingly scrutinized.