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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.


noun

  1. the favoring or support of slavery.

proslavery British  
/ ˌprəʊˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

  1. in favour of or supporting slavery

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • proslaver noun
  • proslaveryism noun

Etymology

Origin of proslavery

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Dec. 3, 2025

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 • Dec. 17, 2022

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 • Dec. 17, 2022

The resolution calling for California to be admitted as a free state aroused the wrath of the aged and deathly ill John C. Calhoun, the elder statesman for the proslavery position.

From Textbooks • Dec. 30, 2014

The full proslavery argument was now out in the open.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis