anti-slavery

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • Opposition to slavery: "anti-slavery" refers to the movement, ideology, or stance that is opposed to the practice of slavery, advocating for its abolition and the freedom of enslaved people.

  2. Adjective:

    • Opposed to slavery: Describing actions, laws, organizations, or individuals that actively work against the institution of slavery.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The 19th-century anti-slavery movement gained momentum in both Britain and the United States. (The organized opposition to slavery grew stronger.)
    • Many historians study the role of women in anti-slavery. (The study of efforts to abolish slavery.)

  • Adjective:

    • He published an anti-slavery pamphlet that argued for immediate emancipation. (A written work opposing slavery.)
    • The anti-slavery legislation was passed after decades of debate. (Laws designed to end slavery.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be an anti-slavery advocate": to actively support the abolition of slavery.

    • Frederick Douglass was a prominent anti-slavery advocate who spoke powerfully against oppression. (He was a leading figure in the movement to end slavery.)

  • "anti-slavery sentiment": public opinion or feeling that opposes slavery.

    • Anti-slavery sentiment grew rapidly in the northern states before the Civil War. (Public disapproval of slavery increased.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Anti-slavery (adj): used as a modifier before nouns.

    • The anti-slavery society held a meeting to plan their next campaign. (The organization dedicated to ending slavery.)

  • Abolitionist (n): a person who actively seeks to end slavery, often used synonymously with "anti-slavery" but more specifically referring to the 19th-century movement.

    • William Wilberforce was a famous abolitionist in Britain. (A person who fought to abolish slavery.)
Synonyms
  • Abolitionist: relating to the movement to end slavery.
  • Emancipationist: someone who advocates for the freeing of enslaved people.
  • Anti-bondage: opposed to the condition of being enslaved.
Related Idioms

  • "to be on the right side of history": to support a moral cause, such as anti-slavery, that will later be seen as just.

    • By joining the anti-slavery cause, they believed they were on the right side of history. (They thought their stance would be judged favourably in the future.)

  • "to break the chains": to end slavery or oppression, often used in figurative anti-slavery rhetoric.

    • The anti-slavery activists worked tirelessly to break the chains of millions. (They aimed to free enslaved people from bondage.)