Meaning & Definition of word "Enslave"
to
Enslave
ɪnˈsleɪv
verb:
- 1. To make someone a slave; to subjugate or dominate someone completely.
- Example: The colonizers sought to enslave the indigenous population for labor.
- 2. To bring someone under control in a way that denies them freedom.
- Example: Fear can enslave people, preventing them from pursuing their dreams.
- 3. To make someone dependent on something to the point of being controlled by it.
- Example: The excessive use of technology can enslave individuals, isolating them from real-world interactions.
- 4. To bind or restrict in a figurative sense, thus limiting personal freedom.
- Example: Her obsessive work ethic began to enslave her, leaving no time for family or friends.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'in' meaning 'in' and 'slavus' meaning 'slave'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
enslaved by circumstances:
Controlled or limited by external factors.
enslave one's mind:
To dominate someone's thinking or beliefs.
Related Words
slave:
A person who is legally owned by another and is forced to work for that person.
slavery:
The state of being a slave; the condition of being owned by another person.
Slang Meanings of enslave
Meaning: To be completely controlled or overwhelmed by something.
Example Sentence: I'm enslaved by my workload this week.
Meaning: To be addicted to something.
Example Sentence: She's enslaved to social media.