enslave
C1Formal, Literary, Historical, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
To make someone a slave; to deprive someone of their freedom.
To control someone or something completely, making them dependent or subservient; to be dominated or captivated by a powerful force or emotion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries extremely strong negative connotations of oppression, violation of human rights, and absolute control. Its figurative use implies a similarly powerful and undesirable domination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Historical contexts may differ based on regional history (e.g., Atlantic slave trade vs. antebellum US South).
Connotations
Identically severe negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, used primarily in historical, political, or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Somebody] enslaves [somebody/something][Somebody/Something] is enslaved by [somebody/something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Enslaved to debt”
- “A mind enslaved by dogma”
- “Enslaved by one's own desires”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in severe criticism: 'The company was accused of practices that effectively enslave workers in overseas factories.'
Academic
Common in historical, sociological, and political studies: 'The colonial powers sought to enslave indigenous populations for economic gain.'
Everyday
Used primarily in figurative or emphatic contexts: 'I feel enslaved by my mortgage payments.'
Technical
Used in legal/historical discourse regarding human trafficking and forced labour conventions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The empire used captured soldiers to enslave the local populace.
- He felt utterly enslaved by the tedious routine of his job.
American English
- The invaders sought to enslave the entire region.
- She refused to let her addiction enslave her any longer.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. Figurative: 'He looked at her enslavingly.' (extremely rare/poetic)
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The enslaving power of the regime was absolute.
- They fought against the enslaving ideology.
American English
- He wrote about the enslaving effects of systemic poverty.
- The treaty contained enslaving clauses for the defeated nation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Long ago, powerful countries would sometimes enslave people from other lands.
- Bad habits can enslave you if you're not careful.
- The dictator's regime aimed to enslave the minds of its citizens through propaganda.
- Many ancient economies were dependent on enslaved labour.
- The novel explores how individuals can become psychologically enslaved by ideologies they initially resist.
- Critics argue that high-interest loans are a mechanism designed to enslave the poorest in a cycle of debt.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EN + SLAVE. To put someone INto a state of being a SLAVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM IS UP/SLAVERY IS DOWN; CONTROL IS A PHYSICAL BOND (shackles, chains).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'поработить' in all contexts. For figurative use like 'enslaved by fear', consider 'быть во власти страха' or 'быть порабощенным страхом' (more literal).
Common Mistakes
- Using it lightly for minor inconveniences diminishes its severity. Incorrect: 'My smartphone enslaves me.' (Better: 'My smartphone distracts me.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the figurative use of 'enslave' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Enslave' is inherently negative and implies severe, unjust domination. Using it positively is highly offensive.
The most common noun is 'enslavement'. 'Enslaver' refers to a person or entity that enslaves others.
Yes. 'Enthrall' can mean to captivate or charm in a positive way ('I was enthralled by the performance'), while 'enslave' is always negative. Only in the context of complete domination can they be synonyms.
It is commonly used adjectivally before a noun (e.g., 'enslaved Africans') or in passive constructions (e.g., 'They were enslaved for decades'). Modern style guides prefer 'enslaved person/people' over 'slave' to emphasise humanity over condition.
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