Thraldom

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈθɹɔːl.dəm/

Definitions

1. The condition of being in a position of subjugation or enslavement often results in a severe limitation of personal freedom and autonomy
2. The state of being under the power of another, which typically involves restrictions on freedom and independence
3. A condition where a person is completely controlled and deprived of personal liberty by someone else

Etymology: Thraldom is a fine example of an older English word built from parts that are still visible. Its first half, "thrall," meant a slave or serf, and it came into English from Old Norse, the language of the Scandinavian settlers whose speech mixed with Old English in the Danelaw. The second half, "-dom," is the ordinary suffix that turns a noun into a state or condition, as in "freedom" or "kingdom." Put together, the word names the condition of being a thrall. The Middle English form appeared with a spelling that shows its Norse roots, and the same compound survives in modern Scandinavian languages: Danish "trældom," Norwegian "trelldom," and Swedish "träldom" all mean the same thing. English has kept the word mainly for slavery in a grim, literal sense, though it is often used figuratively today for any condition of being under another's control.

Synonyms: bondage, servitude, slavery

Antonyms: freedom, liberty