enslave

/in'sleiv/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
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

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