Word
enslave
Phoneticsen·slave, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈsɫeɪv/
UK/ɛnslˈeɪv/
Definition
v. to force someone to work for another person or group against their will. It can also mean to make someone feel like they are trapped by a habit or a feeling.
v. to force someone into a state of bondage or servitude; to subject to the control of another. Often used figuratively to describe the psychological or emotional domination of a person by a habit, addiction, or ideology.
Examples
“The country was enslaved by its debt for decades.”
“Many people feel enslaved by their work schedules, leaving little time for family or personal interests.”
“The historical narrative explores how the colonial powers managed to enslave entire populations through a combination of military force and economic coercion.”
Examples
simple
“The country was enslaved by its debt for decades.”
contextual
“Many people feel enslaved by their work schedules, leaving little time for family or personal interests.”
complex
“The historical narrative explores how the colonial powers managed to enslave entire populations through a combination of military force and economic coercion.”
Real-World Examples
“What did it mean for these Black men to fight for Americans’ “freedom” on soil worked by enslaved people?” “He describes himself and Rosalee, enslaved orphans in childhood, “freed but not free” in adulthood, as “nothing people”.” Etymology
From en- + slave.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/enslave