slave
UK: sleɪv | US: sleɪv
n. a person who is legally owned by another and forced to obey them
n. someone excessively controlled by or devoted to something (e.g., "a slave to fashion")
vt. to work extremely hard (e.g., "he slaved away at the project")
slave = slav<Slavic people> + e<historical suffix>
- slav: Refers to the Slavic people, as many Slavs were enslaved in medieval Europe.
- e: A historical suffix with no standalone meaning, derived from Latin sclavus (slave).
Etymology Origin:
The word "slave" originates from Medieval Latin sclavus, meaning "Slavic captive." During the early Middle Ages, Slavic populations were frequently enslaved by Germanic and Mediterranean powers, leading to the term becoming synonymous with forced servitude. Over time, it generalized to describe any person in bondage, detached from its ethnic roots.
The ancient Romans relied on slaves to build their empire.
She felt like a slave to her demanding job.
He slaved for years to save enough money for a house.
The abolition movement fought to end the slave trade.
Modern technology should liberate us, not make us slaves to screens.