Bondage
/ˈbɒn.dɪdʒ/noun
The state of being bound or restrained, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'bondage' was closely linked with servitude, often tied to one's fate under feudal lords, hinting at deep historical chains of power and control.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰendh-
“to bind or tie”
Old English
Old English
bonda
“a peasant or serf, one who is bound to land”
Old French
Old French
bondage
“state of being bound, servitude”
14th Century
Middle English
bondage
“the condition of being a slave or servant”
Modern English
English
bondage
“the state of being bound or enslaved, often with connotations of restraint or imprisonment.”