Indentured servitude Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdɛntʃərd ˈsɜːrvɪtjuːd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A system in which people, often immigrants or laborers, enter into a contract to work for a fixed period of time, usually in exchange for food, shelter, and other necessities, with the promise of eventual freedom or payment.

Examples

• Many indentured servants were brought to the American colonies to work on plantations.
• The company offered indentured servitude to attract workers to the remote mining site.

Synonyms

• Forced labor
• Servitude

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Voluntary work

Additional Information

Indentured servitude has been practiced throughout history, often as a means of exploiting vulnerable populations. In modern times, it is generally considered a form of human trafficking and is prohibited by international law.

Indentured servitude was commonly used in colonial America, where it was used to attract laborers to work on plantations and in other industries. The system was often abusive, with servants facing harsh working conditions and limited rights.

Today, indentured servitude is recognized as a form of modern slavery, and efforts are being made to combat it through legislation and international cooperation.

Etymology

The term “indentured servitude” comes from the practice of signing a contract with an indented edge, which was used to bind the servant to the agreement.

Usage Notes

Indentured servitude is often used interchangeably with “forced labor” or “modern slavery,” but it specifically refers to a system in which people enter into a contract to work for a fixed period of time.

Cultural References

Indentured servitude has been depicted in numerous films, books, and TV shows, including “Roots” and “12 Years a Slave.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “To be in bondage” means to be in a state of servitude or slavery.
• “To be bound to” means to be obligated or committed to something.

Related Words or Phrases

• Forced labor
• Modern slavery
• Human trafficking

Collocations

• Indentured servitude contract
• Indentured servant
• System of indentured servitude

Frequency of Use

Indentured servitude is a relatively rare term in modern language, but it is often used in historical or academic contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Indentured servatude
• Indentured servitudee
• Indentured servitue