Slave

A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them. Historically and currently, slaves are subjected to forced labor, often without pay, and are typically deprived of basic human rights, including the right to freedom, control over their own lives, and often their family. The institution of slavery has existed in various forms throughout history, fueled by factors such as economic need, racial prejudice, warfare, and the desire for power and control. Slavery inflicts extreme physical and psychological harm, and violates fundamental principles of human dignity and equality. Modern forms of slavery, though often disguised, continue to exist, encompassing human trafficking, forced labor, and debt bondage.

Slave meaning with examples

• The Roman Empire heavily relied on a large population of slaves to perform agricultural tasks, work in mines, and serve in households, leading to significant economic growth. These slaves were often war captives or people kidnapped and sold into servitude, living without any legal rights and facing brutal punishments. This system provided the labor force that underpinned the vast Roman infrastructure and fueled their military might.
• During the transatlantic slave trade, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes, transported across the Atlantic, and sold as slaves to work on plantations in the Americas. The conditions aboard the ships were horrific, with disease, starvation, and violence commonplace. This devastating trade caused immense suffering, tore apart families, and left a legacy of racial injustice that continues to resonate today.
• Despite its abolition in most countries, modern slavery persists, particularly in the form of human trafficking. Vulnerable individuals, including women and children, are often lured into exploitative situations and forced to work in the sex industry or as laborers under coercive conditions, with little or no pay and little chance of escape.
• The anti-slavery movement played a pivotal role in advocating for human rights and challenging the moral and economic foundations of the slave trade. Abolitionists, through tireless efforts and activism, built political and public support for ending slavery. The fight for emancipation resulted in key legislation that outlawed the trade and eventually the practice itself.
• In some historical contexts, the term 'slave' has also been used figuratively to describe a person excessively devoted to a cause or a master. For instance, an employee might describe themselves as a 'slave to their job', working long hours and feeling obligated to meet their employer's demands, or an addict may be described as a 'slave to addiction'. However, it is important to differentiate this kind of usage from legal ownership.