as in defeated
to take control of and assert authority over
—usually used as (be) enslaved
Her ancestors were enslaved during the war.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in indentured
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enslaved
Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025
The craft was then taught to enslaved people, who built many of the walls throughout Middle Tennessee, and then, after emancipation, many former slaves established themselves as stack stonemasons.
—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025
Troy McMullen, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Rinds themselves enslaved a man named Dick, who appeared in the inventory of William’s estate; evidence suggests that Dick was an active employee of the press, thus making an essential contribution to the development of the newspaper.
—Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enslaved
Verb
Genealogy was vital to people who were free, for example, but also for enslaved people whose family histories, in a regime of heritable slavery, meant all the difference in the world.
—Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025
The craft was then taught to enslaved people, who built many of the walls throughout Middle Tennessee, and then, after emancipation, many former slaves established themselves as stack stonemasons.
—Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025
Adjective
At a time when most African Americans were still enslaved on farms and plantations in the Antebellum South, Poynor was a prolific furniture maker who was admired by white society for his skills as a craftsman.
—Troy McMullen, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Rinds themselves enslaved a man named Dick, who appeared in the inventory of William’s estate; evidence suggests that Dick was an active employee of the press, thus making an essential contribution to the development of the newspaper.
—Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enslaved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enslaved
Adjective
-
Under Trump, Congress has behaved like an indentured servant rather than an independent agent.—
Steve Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
2 July 2025
-
Among her ancestors: John Howland, who arrived as an indentured servant; Elizabeth Tilley, who was a passenger along with her parents and married Howland three years after arriving; and Richard Warren, who helped explore Cape Cod to find areas to settle.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Liver damage can be reduced if the person stops drinking.—
George Petras,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
O'Reilly said that the police department reduced the number of abuse complaints and use of Taser, which had been leading to costly lawsuits.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Her husband discovered her bound and dead with gunshot wounds, authorities reported.—
Cameron Macdonald,
Mercury News,
24 July 2025
-
The protestors quickly form a tightly bound community, refusing to leave until the government enforces section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which required all federal spaces to become accessible.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The ship could be a ferry, a tug, or other coastal vessel traveling within a very confined area.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Jan. 2017
-
And a subway car is a confined space where there may be no easy way to escape danger.—
James Barron,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In at least four of the heists, the thieves threatened their victim with a gun; one victim was pistol whipped, cops said.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
23 Dec. 2024
-
At the final whistle, James ran onto the field and whipped a towel through the air.—
Thuc Nhi Nguyen,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
As a man reportedly held captive for 20 years recovers, legislators are seeking answers about the case and considering reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
24 July 2025
-
Applications to adopt a captive desert tortoise are open year round, and more information can be found on the state agency’s website.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Back in 2012, the two starred in The Paperboy, in which Efron’s wide-eyed character falls for an older woman (Kidman) who is in love with an incarcerated murderer.—
Andrea Mandell,
Peoplemag,
27 June 2024
-
Investigators later said the driver was unaware of the scam call that Brock had received with threats and demands for money, citing an incarcerated relative.—
Mark Scolforo,
Fortune,
20 Apr. 2024
Verb
-
Their goggles are already thrashed, and a solid pair of gogs like these Smith Squad Mags will be a major come-up for their winter kit.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside Online,
20 Dec. 2024
-
The highest point spread of the NFL season came to fruition on Sunday as the Baltimore Ravens thrashed the New York Giants, 35-14, with Lamar Jackson throwing five touchdown passes to lead the way for the flock.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
15 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Enslaved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enslaved. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share