Slave — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Slave
Slave (noun)
- someone captured, sold, or born into chattel slavery
- someone (such as a factory worker or domestic laborer) who is coerced often under threat of violence to work for little or no pay
- someone held captive and forced to perform sexual acts usually under threat of violence and often for the purposes of commercial prostitution, sex slave
Slave (verb)
- to work very hard for long hours or under difficult conditions, drudge
- to traffic in people to be sold into slavery
- to make directly responsive to another mechanism
Slave (adjective)
- of, relating to, involving, or used for slavery or enslaved people
- held involuntarily and forced under threat of violence to work without pay for the profit of another, enslaved
- favoring or legally permitting slavery
Slave (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a person who is considered the property of another person
"many American slaves reached freedom in the North through the network known as the Underground Railroad"
-
a person who does very hard or dull work
"unappreciated office slaves who perform the necessary but tedious task of filing paperwork"
Slave (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to devote serious and sustained effort
"slaving over a hot stove"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Slave
The most common words with a similar meaning to Slave:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Slave
Words with the opposite meaning of Slave:
Near Antonyms of Slave
Word Forms of Slave
Origin & Etymology of Slave
Middle English sclave, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French esclave, from Medieval Latin sclavus, from Sclavus Slav; from the frequent enslavement of Slavs in central Europe during the early Middle Ages
First known use: 14th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Slave
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 23
- Topics: Law, Politics & Society
Words & Phrases Containing Slave
Frequently Asked Questions about Slave
What does "Slave" mean?
"Slave" means someone captured, sold, or born into chattel slavery. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: someone captured, sold, or born into chattel slavery. It has 3 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Slave"?
Other words for "Slave" include bondman, chattel, thrall, dogsbody, drone, drudge, drudger and foot soldier. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Slave" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Slave"?
There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Slave". Common alternatives include bondman, chattel, thrall, dogsbody, drone, drudge, drudger, foot soldier, grub and grubber.
What is the opposite of "Slave"?
Antonyms of "Slave" include freeman. Near antonyms include freedman, freedwoman, enslaver and slave driver.
How do you use "Slave" in a sentence?
Examples of "Slave" in a sentence: "many American slaves reached freedom in the North through the network known as the Underground Railroad"; "unappreciated office slaves who perform the necessary but tedious task of filing paperwork"; "slaving over a hot stove".
Is "Slave" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Slave" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.
Is "Slave" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Slave" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Slave"?
"Slave" is pronounced /ˈslāv/.