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noun

servitude

SUR-viht-shood

Servitude (noun) means the condition of being forced to work for someone else with little or no freedom, often against one's will. Example: “The novel depicts the harsh servitude endured by indentured workers.”

noun
1
The condition of being forced to work for someone else with little or no freedom, often against one's will.
"The novel depicts the harsh servitude endured by indentured workers."
"They fought for their freedom from servitude."

How to Use Servitude

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA state of being controlled and forced to work for someone, with little or no personal freedom.

Easily confused with
servility
Common pairings
penal servitude years of servitude

Word Forms

servitudes plural

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The novel depicts the harsh _____ endured by indentured workers.

Etymology

From Latin servitudo, from servus ("slave").

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

Related Words

Rhymes for servitude

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “servitude” mean?

The word “servitude” means the condition of being forced to work for someone else with little or no freedom, often against one's will. In plain terms, a state of being controlled and forced to work for someone, with little or no personal freedom.

How do you pronounce “servitude”?

“Servitude” is pronounced SUR-viht-shood (/ˈsərvəˌt(j)ud/ in IPA).

How do you use “servitude” in a sentence?

Here is “servitude” used in a sentence: “The novel depicts the harsh servitude endured by indentured workers.”

What is the opposite of “servitude”?

The opposite of “servitude” — its antonyms — is autonomy.

What part of speech is “servitude”?

“Servitude” is a noun.

Where does the word “servitude” come from?

The word “servitude” comes from Latin. From Latin servitudo, from servus ("slave").

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial