slavery

UK: /ˈsleɪvəri/

US: /ˈsleɪvəri, ˈsleɪvri/

US: (slā′və rē, slāv′rē)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

slav•er•y /ˈsleɪvəri, ˈsleɪvri/   n. [uncountable]

1. the condition of a slave;
   bondage:
   kept in slavery.
2. the keeping of slaves as a practice:
   outlawing slavery in most countries.
3. the state of being forced to do something like that of a slave, such as severe work:
   the slavery of his job.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

slav•er•y  (slā′və rē, slāv′rē), n. 

1. the condition of a slave;
   bondage.
2. the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution.
3. a state of subjection like that of a slave:
   He was kept in slavery by drugs.
4. severe toil;
   drudgery.

• slave + -ery 1545–55

Synonyms

• 1. thralldom, enthrallment.
  Slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others.
  Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a master:
  to be sold into slavery.
  Bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor:
  in bondage to a cruel master.
  Servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by a legal penalty:
  penal servitude.
• 4. moil, labor.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

slavery / ˈsleɪvərɪ/ noun

1. the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power over another and controls his or her life, liberty, and fortune
2. the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work
3. the condition of being subject to some influence or habit
4. work done in harsh conditions for low pay