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noun Uncommon

bondage

BON-dihj

Bondage (noun) means the state of being enslaved, or forced servitude with no freedom. Example: “The novel follows a family escaping bondage in the 1800s.”

noun
1
The state of being enslaved, or forced servitude with no freedom.
"The novel follows a family escaping bondage in the 1800s."
2
The practice of tying or restraining someone, typically for sexual pleasure.
"The shop sells bondage gear alongside other adult items."

How to use bondage

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing held captive or restrained — historically as slavery, or today usually in a sexual context.

Word forms

bondages plural

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The novel follows a family escaping _____ in the 1800s.

Etymology

From Middle English bondage, originally meaning serfdom, ultimately traced to an Old English word for a householder or tenant farmer bound to a lord's land.

Origin: Old English

slavery thrall thraldom thralldom

Related words

Rhymes for bondage

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bondage” mean?

The word “bondage” means the state of being enslaved, or forced servitude with no freedom.

How do you pronounce “bondage”?

“Bondage” is pronounced BON-dihj (/ˈbɑn.dɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “bondage” in a sentence?

Here is “bondage” used in a sentence: “The novel follows a family escaping bondage in the 1800s.”

What part of speech is “bondage”?

“Bondage” is a noun.

Where does the word “bondage” come from?

The word “bondage” comes from Old English. From Middle English bondage, originally meaning serfdom, ultimately traced to an Old English word for a householder or tenant farmer bound to a lord's land.

Is “bondage” a common word?

“Bondage” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bondage” have?

“Bondage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being enslaved, or forced servitude with no freedom.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial