proslavery

[proh-sley-vuh-ree, -sleyv-ree]

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

/ ˌprəʊˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. in favour of or supporting slavery

Other Word Forms

• proslaver noun
• proslaveryism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proslavery¹

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

Example Sentences

A proslavery mob attacked an abolitionist newspaper and other known antislavery activists.

From Literature

Abolitionist publisher Elijah Lovejoy is killed by a proslavery mob in Alton, Illinois.

From Literature

He eventually was forced to integrate, but he continued to hand out pro-Confederate and proslavery pamphlets to customers.

From Washington Post

Before Jan. 6, 2021, that symbol of the proslavery Civil War rebels had never flown in the institutional heart of American democracy outside of being featured as part of another state’s flag.

From Washington Post

The debate raged on amid mounting violence between proslavery and antislavery settlers in “Bleeding Kansas.”

From Washington Post