proslavery

American  

[proh-sley-vuh-ree, -sleyv-ree] / proʊˈsleɪ və ri, -ˈsleɪv ri /

adjective

1. favoring slavery.

2. U.S. History. favoring the continued enslavement of Black people, or opposed to ending or altering the institution of slavery.

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noun

1. the favoring or support of slavery.

proslavery British  

/ ˌprəʊˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. in favour of or supporting slavery

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Other Word Forms

• proslaver noun
• proslaveryism noun

Etymology

Origin of proslavery

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; pro- ¹ + slavery

Example Sentences

When a Kentucky constitutional convention finally did meet, it was dominated by conservatives who actually strengthened the proslavery laws, to Clay’s chagrin.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the alleys behind some of those rowhouses, artist Eastman Johnson had spent time with people who were less than pleased about the election of a proslavery Democrat.

From Washington Post

But although Johnson, an abolitionist, intended the scene to humanize African Americans, the artwork would go on to be used as proslavery propaganda.

From Washington Post

His father, Philip, worked for Buchanan’s Democratic Party and lived on F Street NW between 13th and 14th streets, in a largely proslavery neighborhood.

From Washington Post

First Jackson and then Smith were also prepared with their response, which turned out to be the fullest public exposition of the proslavery position yet presented in the United States.

From Literature