Slavery

Pronunciation

Origin

From slave + -ery.

Full definition of slavery

Noun

1. An institution or social practice of owning human beings as property, especially for use as forced laborers.
2. A condition of servitude endured by a slave.
3. (figuratively) A condition in which one is captivated or subjugated, as by greed or drugs.
• 1818, Percy_Bysshe_Shelley,"The Revolt of Islam", canto 8, stanza 16,Man seeks for gold in mines that he may weave
  A lasting chain for his own slavery.