thralldom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, formal
Quick answer
What does “thralldom” mean?
the state of being under the control or domination of another person or power.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the state of being under the control or domination of another person or power; bondage, slavery.
A metaphorical or psychological state of complete subjugation, dependency, or obsession.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English also accepts the spelling 'thraldom'. American English exclusively uses 'thralldom'.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, with slightly higher occurrence in British literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “thralldom” in a Sentence
[NP]'s thralldom to [NP]the thralldom of [NP]escape/break free from thralldomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thralldom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was thralled by her beauty.
- The populace remained thralled to the old superstitions.
American English
- She felt thralled by the addictive game.
- Their minds were thralled by the propaganda.
adverb
British English
- He followed thrall-like behind his lord.
- They lived almost thrallishly, with no will of their own.
American English
- She obeyed thrall-like, without question.
- The crowd listened thrallishly to the demagogue.
adjective
British English
- He gave a thrall-like obedience to his master.
- Their thraldom status was clearly defined in the charter.
American English
- The thrall servants worked the land.
- A sense of thraldom submission pervaded the colony.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The company's thralldom to outdated technologies hindered its growth.'
Academic
Found in historical, political, and literary studies to describe systems of oppression or dependency.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in scientific/technical writing outside specialized historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thralldom”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thralldom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thralldom”
- Misspelling as 'thraldom' (US), 'thrallodom'.
- Confusing with 'thrall' (the state or a person).
- Using in contemporary, non-figurative contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a synonym but is more literary and can extend to metaphorical or psychological bondage, not just legal chattel slavery.
It would sound archaic and overly dramatic. 'Over-dependence' or 'dominance' are more appropriate modern terms.
'Thrall' can mean a state of being in someone's power OR a person in such a state (a slave). 'Thralldom' refers specifically to the condition or institution itself.
Yes, 'thraldom' is a correct British English variant, though 'thralldom' is more common globally.
the state of being under the control or domination of another person or power.
Thralldom is usually literary, formal in register.
Thralldom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθrɔːldəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθrɔːldəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in thralldom to (someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THRALL' sounds like 'trawl' – a fishing net that traps things. DOM like 'kingdom'. A kingdom where you are trapped like a fish in a net.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLAVERY/IMPRISONMENT IS A PHYSICAL BOND; OBSESSION IS A MASTER; AN UNHEALTHY DEPENDENCY IS A PRISON.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'thralldom' most appropriately?