WordGarden.ioenslave
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛnslˈeɪv/
US
- /ɛnˈsleɪv/
Meanings
Verb
to make a person or group a slave or keep them in slavery
to make someone completely controlled by a power, habit, or influence
Beyond the definition
To enslave someone is not just to put them in chains; it is to take away their freedom and their ability to choose for themselves. In history, it meant treating a person as property, forcing them to work, and denying them basic human rights. The word can also be used in a metaphorical way. You might say a person feels enslaved by debt, addiction, or fear, meaning these things control their life. Context matters: the literal meaning refers to a grave human crime, while figurative uses point to a deep loss of freedom or control.
The word "enslave" carries immense weight, rooted in centuries of brutal history. At its core, to enslave means to bring someone under complete control, take away their liberty, and force them into servitude. Historically, this meant the ownership of human beings - a system built on exploitation, violence, and dehumanization. Think of the transatlantic slave trade, in which millions of people were forcibly taken from their homes and subjected to unimaginable suffering.
However, "enslave" is not limited to physical bondage. It can also describe situations where someone is dominated or controlled by something else - a habit, an obsession, or even a powerful emotion. For example, "He was enslaved by his grief after losing his wife" suggests that sorrow consumed him and guided his actions. Or, "She felt enslaved by her debt" means that the financial burden seemed to hold her captive.
The power of this word lies in its ability to highlight the complete loss of autonomy. When something enslaves you, it doesn't just limit your freedom; it takes it away entirely. It's a stark reminder of the importance of liberty and self-determination. The act of enslaving is always an assertion of power over another, denying their inherent dignity and right to choose their own path.
So whether referring to historical atrocities or personal struggles, "enslave" speaks to the profound impact of losing control - a loss that can be both physical and psychological.
Examples
- 1
Historical violence
For centuries, the empire raided nearby villages and enslaved the people it captured.
- 2
Plantation history
The museum tells the stories of families who were enslaved and forced to work on the plantation.
- 3
Debt control
He warned that huge debts could enslave farmers to the banks.
- Patternenslave someone to + controlling force
make them controlled by it
- 4
Figurative control
She refuses to be enslaved by her phone and turns it off every evening.
- Usage
be enslaved by + thing is often figurative: controlled by it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enslaveverb
Forms
- enslavedpast tenseverb
- enslaving-ing formverb
- enslavesverb