# servitude

/ˈsɝvəˌtud/ (US) · /sˈɜːvɪtjˌuːd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/servitude
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the state of being a slave or being forced to obey someone else. It describes a life where you have no freedom and must work for another person.

For teachers: the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful. Often used in legal or historical contexts to describe involuntary labor or the lack of personal autonomy.

## Examples

- The prisoners were forced into a life of servitude.
- After the war, many people were sold into domestic servitude and lost all their legal rights.
- The philosopher argued that extreme economic dependence on a single employer is merely a modern, more subtle form of involuntary servitude.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the verb 'sold into' or 'forced into'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.