# slavery

/ˈsɫeɪvɝi/ (US) · /slˈeɪvəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slavery
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the historical institution

noun · CEFR B2

the system where people are owned by others as property and forced to work without pay.

For teachers: the legal or social institution of owning human beings as property, typically for the purpose of forced labour.

- Many countries fought long wars to finally end the practice of slavery.
- The abolitionist movement gained significant momentum in the nineteenth century, eventually leading to the legal prohibition of slavery in many Western nations.

### 2. forced labour

noun · CEFR B2

any situation where people are forced to work against their will and cannot leave.

For teachers: the condition of being subjected to forced labour or involuntary servitude, regardless of legal status.

- Modern slavery often involves people being trapped in jobs they cannot escape.
- Human rights organisations work tirelessly to identify and dismantle networks involved in modern slavery and human trafficking.

### 3. figurative subjugation

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a state of being controlled by something else, like a bad habit or a strong feeling.

For teachers: a figurative state of being captivated or dominated by an external force, such as an addiction or an obsession.

- He felt that his constant need for money was a kind of slavery.
- The philosopher argued that the slavery of greed is often more difficult to escape than physical chains.

## Examples

- Many countries fought long wars to end slavery.
- The museum features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the eventual abolition of slavery.
- Historians distinguish between chattel slavery, where individuals are legally considered movable property, and other forms of forced labour that emerged in the post-industrial era.

---

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.