Definition

The state of being owned by someone else and forced to work without pay or freedom.

Example

The history of slavery is a painful chapter in many countries.

Conversation

I just finished reading a book about the history of slavery.

That sounds intense! What did you learn from it?

It really opened my eyes to the harsh realities of slavery throughout history.

Yeah, it's important to understand those struggles so we can learn from them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Slavery → The word originates from the Middle English 'sclave', which comes from the Old French 'esclave', meaning a person who is enslaved. This, in turn, derives from the Late Latin 'sclavus', meaning a Slavic person, as many Slavs were enslaved in the Middle Ages. The term 'slavery' refers to the condition of being a slave or being owned by another person.

Memory Tip

Think of the historical context where many 'Slavic' people ('sclavus') were forced into servitude, which helps you remember that 'slavery' means the condition of being owned and forced to work.

Visually Confused Words