A slave to Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɫeɪv/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

uh SLAYV to, tuh, ti

UK

æɪ/ /slˈeɪv/ /tˈuː

uh SLAYV too

Definition

If you are 'a slave to' something, it means you are strongly controlled or influenced by it, often in a negative way, such as a habit, feeling, or desire.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used about habits, emotions, or material things (e.g., 'a slave to fashion,' 'a slave to your phone'). Often figurative and can be mildly humorous or critical. Formal/informal contexts. Avoid using about real slavery.

• Spanish: esclavo de
• Portuguese (BR): escravo de
• Portuguese (PT): escravo de
• Chinese (Simplified): 受...支配的人 - ...的奴隶
• Chinese (Traditional): 受...支配的人 - ...的奴隸
• Hindi: का गुलाम
• Arabic: عبد لـ
• Bengali: ক্রীতদাস (অভাবনীয় নিয়ন্ত্রণে থাকা) - নিয়ন্ত্রণাধীন
• Russian: раб - заложник (привычки/чувства)
• Japanese: 〜の奴隷
• Vietnamese: nô lệ của
• Korean: ~의 노예
• Turkish: -nin kölesi
• Urdu: کا غلام
• Indonesian: budak dari

Example Sentences

He is a slave to his phone and checks it every minute.

basic

Some people are a slave to fashion.

basic

Don't be a slave to your fears.

basic

I'm such a slave to coffee—I can't start my day without it.

natural

Growing up, I was a slave to my parents' rules.

natural

She refuses to be a slave to trends and wears what she likes.

natural