Meaning & Definition of word "Slavery"

Slavery

/ˈsleɪvəri/

noun:

  • 1. The condition of being legally owned by another person, in which a person is forced to work for that owner without pay.
    • Example: The history of slavery in the United States is a painful and complex subject.
  • 2. A state of being under the control of someone else, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe severe oppression or exploitation.
    • Example: Many activists fight against modern slavery and human trafficking around the world.
  • 3. The practice or system of owning slaves.
    • Example: The abolition of slavery was a significant milestone in human rights history.

Etymology

From Middle English 'slavere', from Old French 'esclavain', from Latin 'sclavus' meaning 'slave'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

slavery abolition:

The act of ending the practice of slavery.

modern slavery:

Current forms of slavery, including human trafficking and forced labor.

Related Words

slave:

A person who is owned by another and forced to work.

abolition:

The act of ending a system or practice, especially slavery.

freedom:

The state of not being in captivity or enslaved.

oppression:

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment.

Slang Meanings of slavery

Meaning: Work your fingers to the bone.

Example Sentence: I’ve been working so much lately, it feels like I'm in slavery, working my fingers to the bone.

Meaning: Wage slave.

Example Sentence: He feels like a wage slave, trapped in a job with no freedom.