View synonyms forslavery

slavery

[sley-vuh-ree,sleyv-ree ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the condition of being enslaved, held, or owned as human chattel or property; bondage.
Synonyms:enthrallment,thralldom
a practice or institution that treats or recognizes some human beings as the legal property of others.
a state of subjection like that of a slave:
He longed to escape the slavery of drug addiction.
severe toil; drudgery.
Synonyms:labor,moil

slavery

/ ˈsleɪvərɪ /

noun

the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power over another and controls his life, liberty, and fortune
the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work
the condition of being subject to some influence or habit
work done in harsh conditions for low pay

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Other Words From

pre·slaver·yadjective noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin ofslavery¹

First recorded in 1545–55;slav(e) +-ery

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Synonym Study

Slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by an owner or master: to be sold into slavery. Bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master. Servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by a legal penalty: penal servitude.

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Example Sentences

Among Southern intellectuals and their supporters in antebellum America, there were those who defended slavery not just on racial grounds, but as an inherently superior social system.

FromSalon

One specific issue raised by the order is the depiction of race, the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws, and other historical narratives in the Smithsonian’s collections.

FromSalon

"We've only seen this in times of slavery, when people were moved between place and place for money. It's unprecedented."

FromBBC

That passion then fueled the fire of public education after slavery.

FromSalon

Vesey, for instance, was born into slavery, but literally won the lottery in 1799 and used the proceeds to purchase his freedom.

FromSalon

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