Definitions for slaveryˈsleɪ və ri, ˈsleɪv ri

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

slav•er•y^*ˈsleɪ və ri, ˈsleɪv ri(n.)

the condition of a slave; bondage.
the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution.
a state of subjection like that of a slave.
severe toil; drudgery.

^* Syn: slavery , bondage , servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a master: to be sold into slavery.bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master.servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by law: penal servitude.

Origin of slavery:

1545–55

Princeton's WordNet

bondage, slavery, thrall, thralldom, thraldom(noun)
the state of being under the control of another person
slavery, slaveholding(noun)
the practice of owning slaves
slavery(noun)
work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

slavery(noun)ˈsleɪ və ri, ˈsleɪv ri
a system in which people are owned as slaves
the laws that made slavery illegal

Wiktionary

slavery(Noun)
An institution or social practice of owning human beings as property, especially for use as forced laborers.
slavery(Noun)
A condition of servitude endured by a slave.
slavery(Noun)
A condition in which one is captivated or subjugated, as by greed or drugs.

Webster Dictionary

Slavery(noun)
the condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another
Slavery(noun)
a condition of subjection or submission characterized by lack of freedom of action or of will
Slavery(noun)
the holding of slaves