French Conversation · Level 100
59 words
French word
esclavage
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛsklavaʒ/
Meaning
- masculine nounslavery
Example
L'esclavage a été aboli dans de nombreux pays.
Slavery was abolished in many countries.
More examples
On évoque souvent l'esclavage des enfants.
Child slavery is often discussed.
Core concept
A human-made system in which ownership overrides a person's freedom, rights, and control over their own life.
Common phrases
abolir l'esclavage
abolish slavery
l'esclavage des enfants
child slavery
Similar words
exploitation: Unfair use of someone's labor or position to gain profit.
servitude: A lasting state of dependence with little freedom or choice.
oppression: Suppression of freedom or rights through unjust control or pressure.
Definition in French
Système ou pratique sociale par lequel des personnes sont réduites au statut de biens, privées de droits et soumises à la volonté d'autrui.
Word origin
The noun is formed from French esclave with -age, while esclave descends from Medieval Latin sclavus, a term associated with Slavic captives.
Usage tips
- The usual construction réduire quelqu'un en esclavage means to reduce someone to slavery, while être réduit à l'esclavage describes the resulting condition.
Other meanings
- servitudenoun
Opposites
- libérationliberationnoun
- libertéfreedomnoun
Related words
- esclaveslavenoun