1
formal + literary
: the state of being a slave : slavery
He delivered the slaves from bondage. [=he freed the slaves]
a population held/kept in bondage
—often used figurativelyHe struggled in the bondage of drug addiction.
2
: sexual activity that involves tying a person up for pleasure
Cite this Entry
“Bondage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bondage. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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