antislavery

American  

[an-tee-sley-vuh-ree, -sleyv-ree, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈsleɪ və ri, -ˈsleɪv ri, ˌæn taɪ- /

noun

1. opposition to slavery.

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adjective

1. of or relating to antislavery.

   The antislavery movement in the United States gained momentum in the early 19th century.

antislavery British  

/ ˌæntɪˈsleɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. opposed to slavery, esp slavery of Black people

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Etymology

Origin of antislavery

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20; anti- + slavery

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

antislavery

The antislavery movement was central to Seward’s career.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 12, 2026

His daring would win the admiration of national antislavery advocates such as Ohio Gov. Salmon P. Chase and Horace Greeley, the editor of the New York Tribune, which regularly published Clay’s speeches and letters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025

“There was this perception that antislavery Republicans hadn’t been sufficiently aggressive,” Waite said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2025

Southern postmasters instituted a comprehensive censorship of mail to prevent antislavery literature from reaching the South.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2025

The most tangible and enduring antislavery effects of the revolutionary mentality occurred in the northern states during and immediately after the war.

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