Pronunciation

/sləɪv/

Definitions

Noun

1. slave (countable): A person who is owned and forced to work without pay or freedom, typically by another person or group, often under harsh conditions.
   • Example: “The slaves were treated brutally by their owners.”
2. slave (uncountable): An involuntary or submissive state or condition, as in a relationship or habit.
   • Example: “She’s trapped in a love-slave dynamic with her partner.”

Verb

1. To treat or use someone as a slave, especially in a domestic or labor setting.
   • Example: “The plantation owners enslaved thousands of people.”
2. To be controlled or dominated by something or someone (usually negatively).
   • Example: “Her addiction has enslaved her life.”

Phrases

• “Slave labor” refers to work done under forced or exploitative conditions.
• “Be a slave to” implies being excessively devoted or controlled by something.
• “Free the slaves” was a historical slogan advocating for abolition.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The archaeological site revealed artifacts from a once-thriving slave trade.”
• Verb: “Slavery was officially abolished in this country over a century ago.”
• Phrasal Usage: “He felt like a slave to his demanding job, never having time for himself.”

Synonyms

• Bonded servant
• Unfreedman -servant
• indentured laborer
• captive
• Domesticate (informal, in a relationship context)
• Enslave (in a more general sense)