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Definition of enslave

enslave

/ɪnˈsleɪv/
en · slave
Adjective:enslaved
•
Past Simple:enslaved
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Past Participle:enslaved
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Present Participle:enslaving
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enslave Lexical Profile

enslave Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone a slave; to strip a person of their freedom and force them into involuntary servitude.

Example

"The ancient empire sought to conquer neighboring territories and enslave their populations."

2

To cause someone to lose their independence or self-control by dominating them completely (especially of a habit, addiction, or intense emotion).

Example

"He refused to let a desire for material wealth enslave his mind and dictate his life choices."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for enslave

• Nearby Words

enshrinement
enshroud
ensign
enslave
enslavement
enslaver
ensnare

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'to make') and 'slave', which ultimately derives from Medieval Latin 'sclavus' ('Slav'), due to the historical capture and servitude of Slavic peoples in the early Middle Ages.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Enslave. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/enslave
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