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.
"In Judeo-Christian tradition, the Israelites fled bondage at the hands of the Egyptians, only to wander in the wilderness for the next four decades."
"The novel follows a family escaping bondage in the 1800s."
"He lived in financial bondage to his cocaine habit; no matter how much he earned, it all seemed to disappear up his nose."
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 notesIn plain EnglishBeing held captive or restrained — historically as slavery, or today usually in a sexual context.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bondages
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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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bondage
See all rhymes for bondage →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.
