slavery

[sley-vuh-ree, sleyv-ree] /ˈsleɪ və ri, ˈsleɪv ri/
noun
1.
the condition of a slave; bondage.
2.
the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution.
3.
a state of subjection like that of a slave:
He was kept in slavery by drugs.
4.
severe toil; drudgery.
Origin
1545-55; slave + -ery
Related forms
preslavery, adjective, noun
Synonyms
1. thralldom, enthrallment. Slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a 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. 4. moil, labor.
Examples from the web for slavery
  • Thus, indenture followed closely on the heels of slavery in order to replace the slaves.
  • This is only one example of the contemporary fight against slavery worldwide.
  • Final freedom the civil war, the abolition of slavery, and the thirteenth amendment.
  • The first emancipation the abolition of slavery in the north.
  • He condemned their reduction to slavery in the strongest terms.
  • The world of work servitude, slavery and labor in medieval england.
  • The rest, about fiftythree thousand, were sold into slavery.
  • Rush was also an early opponent of slavery and capital punishment.
  • Sumner was a leading proponent of abolishing slavery to weaken the confederacy.
  • The counterrevolution of slavery politics and ideology in antebellum south carolina.
British Dictionary definitions for slavery

slavery

/ˈsleɪvərɪ/
noun
1.
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
2.
the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work
3.
the condition of being subject to some influence or habit
4.
work done in harsh conditions for low pay
Word Origin and History for slavery
n.

1550s, "severe toil, hard work, drudgery;" from slave (v.) + -ery. Meaning "state of servitude" is from 1570s; meaning "keeping or holding of slaves" is from 1728.