bondage
/'bɔndidʤ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- sexual practice that involves physically restraining (by cords or handcuffs) one of the partners
- the state of being under the control of another person
- 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