Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being under the control of another person or force: A condition of being deprived of freedom or autonomy, often involving physical restraint, servitude, or powerful psychological influence.
   • A practice involving physical restraint, especially as part of sexual activity: The use of bonds, such as ropes or handcuffs, to restrict a person's movement.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to a state of servitude or lack of freedom:
  • The historical novel described the brutal bondage of the captured soldiers.
  • For years, she felt in bondage to her family's expectations.
• Referring to the practice of physical restraint:
  • The article discussed safety rules within the context of bondage.
  • Some forms of role-play incorporate elements of bondage.

Advanced Usage

• "In bondage to [something]": To be completely dominated or controlled by a powerful feeling, habit, or influence.
  • He lived in bondage to his addiction, unable to break free.
  • She was in bondage to her fear of failure, which prevented her from taking risks.

Variants and Related Words

• Bond (noun/verb): While "bond" can mean a connection or tie, it shares the etymological root of being bound or fastened.
• Bondservant (noun, archaic): A person bound to serve without wages; a slave or serf.

Synonyms

• Enslavement: The state of being made a slave.
• Servitude: The condition of being a slave or being forced to obey another.
• Subjugation: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
• Captivity: The condition of being imprisoned or confined.
• Shackles (often used metaphorically): Restraints or impediments to freedom.

Antonyms

• Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance.
• Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions.
• Autonomy: The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Psychological bondage: A state of mental or emotional imprisonment, often due to trauma, fear, or a manipulative relationship.
  • The cult leader held his followers in psychological bondage.
• To break the bonds/bondage of: To escape or liberate oneself from a controlling situation or influence.
  • The revolution aimed to break the bondage of colonial rule.

Noun

1. sexual practice that involves physically restraining (by cords or handcuffs) one of the partners
2. the state of being under the control of another person
3. the state of being under the control of a force or influence or abstract power
   • he was in bondage to fear:
   • he sought release from his bondage to Satan
   • a self freed from the bondage of time