servitude

word

Definition

A state of being forced to work for and obey someone else, often without freedom; slavery or very harsh conditions of service.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and literary; often used in historical, legal, or academic contexts. Strongly associated with slavery, though can also refer to figurative oppression. Not common in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

He lived his whole life in servitude.

basic

Many people fought to end servitude in the country.

basic

Children should never be kept in servitude.

basic

He described his job as a kind of modern servitude.

natural

For centuries, servitude was accepted as normal in many societies.

natural

Even after gaining freedom, memories of servitude remained fresh.

natural