Enslave

To deprive someone of their liberty; to subject a person or group to the ownership and control of another, typically through force or coercion. This involves reducing individuals to the status of property, denying them basic rights, and forcing them to work without pay or with extremely low compensation. The act of enslaving can encompass physical confinement, emotional manipulation, and the suppression of their will and autonomy. It is a practice historically and currently associated with exploitation and human rights violations. The essence lies in total subjugation, stripping away free will.

Enslave meaning with examples

• The conquering empire aimed to enslave the indigenous population, forcing them into labor to build its cities and enrich its coffers. Their culture was systematically dismantled through the forced labour and their religious practices and language were strictly forbidden. The resulting inequality fuelled resentment and further dehumanization.
• Economic hardship and predatory lending can, in some circumstances, enslave individuals to debt, limiting their choices and control over their lives. Facing insurmountable financial obligations, they become trapped, working tirelessly to merely survive, with their future increasingly bleak and their hope diminishing. This cycle can last generations.
• Historically, the transatlantic slave trade saw millions of Africans cruelly enslaved and transported across the ocean, enduring unimaginable suffering and deprivation. These people were forced to work in harsh conditions, denied basic human rights, and subjected to violence and terror. The memory of this event is a stark reminder of the fragility of freedom.
• The protagonist found their heart enslaved by a toxic relationship, allowing themselves to be controlled by the emotional manipulation. Their sense of self was gradually eroded, losing the will to make decisions or prioritize their own needs. Ultimately, the protagonist needed to break free to regain autonomy.
• Some argue that excessive reliance on technology, particularly social media, can enslave individuals, creating addictive behaviors and diminishing genuine human connection. Time becomes dictated by notifications and algorithms, reducing real-world engagements and fostering a dependency that can affect productivity.