helot
UK: ˈhɛlət | US: ˈhɛlət
n. 1. A member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta, bound to the land and owned by the state.
n. 2. (Figuratively) A person in a position of servitude or oppression.
helot = hel<capture> + ot<noun suffix>
- hel<capture>: Derived from Greek heilōtēs, possibly linked to heilō (to capture or enslave).
- ot<noun suffix>: A Greek suffix forming nouns denoting status or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The term helot originates from ancient Sparta, referring to the subjugated population enslaved by the Spartan state. The word’s root reflects their captured status, evolving into a broader metaphor for oppression. Its spelling preserves the Greek structure, combining hel- (capture) with -ot (a suffix marking their servile condition).
The Spartans relied on helots to farm their lands while they focused on military training.
In modern contexts, "helot" is sometimes used to describe exploited workers.
The rebellion of the helots was a constant threat to Spartan stability.
Historians debate whether helots were strictly slaves or a distinct serf class.
His speech compared corporate interns to helots, sparking controversy.