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Translate files Servitude
/ˈsɜːrvɪˌtjuːd/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful.
The convicts were condemned to a life of servitude, working tirelessly for their release.
A legal right of one landowner to use the land of another for a specified purpose.
The property had an easement that allowed servitude for access to the nearby lake.
The condition of being in service to others, often involving hard labor.
Many peasant families lived in servitude to wealthy landowners throughout the feudal system.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'servitude', from Latin 'servitudo', from 'servus' meaning 'slave'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
slavery or servitude
The condition of being a slave.
bondage and servitude
A state of being enslaved or subjected to harsh treatment.
voluntary servitude
A situation where someone agrees to serve in exchange for something.
Related Words
slave
A person who is legally owned by another and is forced to work for them.
serf
A laborer bound under the feudal system to work on his lord's estate.
indentured servant
A person under contract to work for another person for a specified time.
Slang Meanings
Life of a dog
Working that job feels like a life of a dog, just total servitude.
Under the thumb
Once she started dating him, it was like she was under the thumb, living in servitude.