C1nounformal1K

Slavery

UK /["/ˈsleɪvəri/"]/US /["/ˈsleɪvəri/"]/

Definition

the state of being forced to work as a slave

In simple words: The practice of forcing people to work for no pay and with no freedom.

Examples

  • to **be sold into slavery**
  • Poverty forces children into virtual slavery.
  • The women were sold into sexual slavery.
  • Their stated aim was to free women from domestic slavery.
  • They were living in slavery and poverty.
  • The organization has helped to expose human slavery rings.
  • the abolition of slavery
  • The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in 1865.

Usage notes

Used in serious discussions about history, human rights, and social justice. Not appropriate for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'slavery' as 'slaves' in a very serious historical context, like chains and broken freedom.

Collocations

  • chattel
  • plantation
  • domestic
  • establish
  • introduce
  • abolish
  • reparations
  • issue
  • question
  • in slavery
  • under slavery
  • the abolition of slavery
  • the end of slavery
  • the institution of slavery
  • chattel
  • plantation
  • domestic
  • establish
  • introduce
  • abolish
  • reparations
  • issue
  • question
  • in slavery
  • under slavery
  • the abolition of slavery
  • the end of slavery
  • the institution of slavery

Synonyms

  • bondage
  • servitude
  • subjugation
  • oppression
  • thralldom

Antonyms

  • freedom
  • liberty
  • emancipation

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'enslavement' — 'slavery' refers to the system, while 'enslavement' refers to the act.
  • Using 'slave' as a verb — it's only a noun.
  • Misunderstanding the historical context — slavery has specific implications in different cultures.