Definition

Having the status of a serf, which means being bound to work for a lord and not having personal freedom.

Example

In the feudal system, many peasants were enserfed and had to work the land for their lords.

Conversation

Have you ever read about people who were enserfed in the past?

Yeah, it's fascinating how they were bound to the land and had so few rights.

I can't believe how harsh life must have been for those who were enserfed.

Definitely, it makes you appreciate our freedoms today.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enserfed is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be) and "serf" (from Old French *serf*, meaning a person bound to the land and owned by a lord). The word describes the act of making someone a serf or binding them to servitude.

Memory Tip

Think of 'en-' meaning to cause to be, and 'serf' referring to a person bound to the land. This helps you remember that 'enserfed' means to make someone a serf.

Visually Confused Words