Slavishness

Slavishness is the quality or state of exhibiting excessive or servile obedience; an extreme form of submissiveness, often to the point of lacking independent thought or action. It implies a willingness to unquestioningly follow the dictates or desires of another, often without considering one's own needs, principles, or dignity. This behavior can manifest in various contexts, including relationships, employment, and societal structures. It often suggests a loss of autonomy and self-respect, driven by a desire for approval, fear of punishment, or a perceived lack of alternatives. The term frequently carries a negative connotation, highlighting a lack of critical thinking and a susceptibility to exploitation.

Slavishness meaning with examples

• The courtier's slavishness towards the king was evident in every gesture, bowing, and utterance, always seeking to please rather than offering candid counsel. This devotion, while rewarded with patronage, ultimately undermined his own integrity.
• Employees displaying slavishness to the demands of their supervisor, constantly working overtime and agreeing with every suggestion, often experience burnout and a lack of fulfillment in their jobs due to the suppression of their own ideas.
• Critics condemned the media's slavishness to the powerful, noting how their reporting lacked investigative depth and consistently echoed the official narrative without challenge, eroding public trust in the information presented.
• In historical accounts, the depiction of enslaved people often emphasized their forced slavishness as a means of dehumanization and justifying the brutal conditions they endured.