enslaved
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of enslaved
First recorded in 1660–70; enslave ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
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.
They sold gold, ivory and ultimately enslaved Africans, often those captured in local conflicts, in exchange for the manufactured goods brought mainly by the British and Dutch, including textiles, alcohol and guns.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
The irony is that Sally was also Martha’s half-sister — the product of John Wayles’ relations with an enslaved woman — making her biological kin to the Monticello Association members, too.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
Lithwick: Separated from their children, not yet full citizens, formerly enslaved parents faced unimaginable odds to reunite their families.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
Black people who were enslaved were undoubtedly domiciled here, but the same is not true of temporary visitors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
They would have another twenty years to add to the enslaved population with more African captives—and the Constitution still said nothing about ending slavery altogether.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
