servitude

/ˈsɜːvɪtjuːd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɜːrvɪtuːd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsər-və-ˌtüd -ˌtyüd/ (ame, mw)

servitude — 名詞

1. A condition of living and working under someone else's complete control, without

1.名詞C1
釋義

奴役

被迫為他人勞動且無自由的狀態

A condition of living and working under someone else's complete control, without the freedom to make your own choices.

例句

Lan's family had lived in servitude for generations, working the land for a wealthy landlord.

Lan 家族世世代代過著奴役生活，為有錢的地主耕種田地。

live in servitude + present participle for accompanying action

After the uprising failed, the captured rebels were sold into servitude.

起義失敗後，被俘的叛軍被賣為奴役。

同義詞
  • slavery

    Specifically refers to legal ownership of a person as property; stronger and more common than 'servitude'

  • bondage

    Emphasises being physically or legally bound; sometimes used in religious or poetic contexts

  • subjugation

    Focuses on the act of being brought under control by force; more abstract than 'servitude'

  • indenture

    A historical form of servitude under a contract for a fixed period; narrower and more specific

反義詞
  • freedom

    The state of being able to act, speak, or think without constraint

  • liberty

    More formal than 'freedom'; often used in legal or political discourse

文法句型

servitude + of + person

in + servitude

into + servitude

用法筆記

Frequently used in historical, legal, or political discussions about human rights. Distinguish from the more common word 'slavery' — servitude can refer to broader conditions of involuntary labour and lack of freedom that fall short of legal ownership.

常見錯誤

❌The hotel provides excellent servitude.
✅The hotel provides excellent service.
💡'servitude' means forced labour or loss of freedom; 'service' means helpful work done for others.