Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make someone a slave; to bring someone into a state of servitude: This is the core meaning, referring to the act of forcing a person into a condition where they are owned by another and must work without pay or freedom.
   • To dominate or control someone completely: In a figurative sense, it can mean to subject someone to a dominating influence or addiction, stripping them of their freedom of choice.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The conquerors sought to enslave the entire population of the island. (They aimed to force the people into slavery.)
  • He was enslaved and transported across the Atlantic. (He was made a slave and shipped away.)
  • Her fear of failure enslaved her, preventing her from taking any risks. (Figuratively, her fear completely controlled her actions.)

Advanced Usage and Nuance

• Historical and Legal Context: The term is most strongly associated with historical systems of chattel slavery, particularly the transatlantic slave trade. It implies a complete deprivation of liberty and personhood.
• Figurative and Modern Context: Commonly used to describe situations where people are trapped by circumstances, addictions, or oppressive systems, even if not legally owned.
  • Many feel enslaved by their debt.
  • The dictator's propaganda machine worked to enslave the minds of the citizens.

Variants and Related Words

• Enslavement (n): The state or process of being enslaved.
  • The enslavement of millions remains a dark chapter in history.
• Enslaved (adj): Describing someone who is held as a slave.
  • The enslaved people resisted their oppressors.

Synonyms

• Subjugate: To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
• Bond: To place under the constraint of a bond or obligation (archaic in the sense of slavery).
• Thrall (literary): Enslavement or bondage.

Antonyms

• Liberate: To set free.
• Emancipate: To free from legal, social, or political restrictions.
• Free: To release from slavery or restraint.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To enslave oneself to something: To willingly become completely devoted or addicted to something to one's own detriment.
  • He enslaved himself to his work, neglecting his health and family.
• Enslaved by passion/desire: Completely controlled by a strong emotion or want.
  • The character was enslaved by his desire for revenge.

Verb

1. make a slave of; bring into servitude