slavery
UK: ˈsleɪvəri | US: ˈsleɪvəri
n. the condition of being enslaved or owned by another person
n. a system or practice where individuals are treated as property
n. figurative: excessive dependence on or devotion to something
The word "slavery" derives from "slave," which entered English via Old French "esclave" from Medieval Latin "sclavus," originally referring to Slavs (Eastern European people) who were frequently enslaved during the Middle Ages. The suffix "-ery" (from Latin "-aria") denotes a state, condition, or practice, forming abstract nouns. Thus, "slavery" literally means "the state or practice of being a slave." Over time, the term expanded to encompass systemic oppression and metaphorical bondage.
The abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment in human rights history.
Many nations still struggle with the legacy of colonial slavery.
She described her job as a form of modern slavery due to its exploitative conditions.
The novel explores the psychological impact of slavery on individuals.
Addiction can feel like a kind of mental slavery.