Slave

As a Noun

1. A person who is forced to work for another without freedom or pay.
2. Someone who is overly controlled or dominated by something (e.g., a slave to work).
3. A device or machine that is controlled by another (e.g., a slave computer in a network).

As a Verb (Informal)

1. To work extremely hard, often under harsh or exhausting conditions (e.g., he slaved away all night on the project).

Word History

The word slave comes from the Medieval Latin sclavus, meaning “Slav,” referring to Slavic people who were often enslaved in early Europe. Over time, the term broadened to mean anyone subjected to forced labor. While historically tied to human oppression, it has also taken on metaphorical meanings in modern language.

Examples

1. Enslaved people were forced to work without any rights.
2. He became a slave to his job, working long hours every day.
3. The backup system acts as a slave to the main server.
4. She slaved in the kitchen to prepare the feast.

Synonyms (depending on context)

Bondservant, captive, laborer, servant, workaholic

Related Words

Servitude, oppression, toil, bondage, subjugation

Antonyms

Master, free person, independent, liberated