bondage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bondage" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the practice of restraining someone or oneself physically or emotionally, or to describe a situation in which someone feels confined or restricted. For example, "After years of financial bondage, the couple was finally able to pay off their debt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

In south Asia, for example, most of those in slavery are Dalits (untouchables), who are predominantly trapped in debt bondage – that is, when someone is compelled to work to pay off a debt in conditions beyond their control.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Seduction" explores shoes as objects of sexual desire – from laced-up bondage boots to the Japanese Geta sandals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ofcom said that the segment was unlikely to have been seen by many children and that the bondage discussion had been "appropriately limited".

The Guardian

A segment on ITV's This Morning offering viewers a lesson in "bondage for beginners" has been cleared by the media regulator.

The Guardian

The moth that Evelyn holds at the end is an old lady; and, given the bondage theme, it seems appropriate the true lover's knot moth should appear.

The Guardian - Film

Schofield had warned viewers that there would be a discussion about bondage equipment in the show, adding that it would be "done in good taste".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

AN AMERICAN hotel is selling getaway packages based on "50 Shades of Grey", the bondage-themed novel that has become (along with the rest of author E.L. James's erotic "50 shades" series) a publishing phenomenon.

The Economist

E.L. James's bondage-buster, "Fifty Shades of Grey", turned up online before being published on paper.

The Economist

new bookThe EconomistQ: What is bonded labour, and why do you call it "modern slavery"?A: In broad strokes, bonded labour, or what's often called debt-bondage, is a form of feudal servitude, where credit is exchanged for pledged labour.

The Economist

"Engaging in BDSM (bondage-discipline-sadism-masochism) behaviour is part of the normal continuum of human sexual behaviours," the suit insisted.But if these moves were intended to shape and limit the national discussion about his sexual tastes, they did not succeed.

The Economist

As Lesley Hall, senior archivist at the Wellcome Collection and author of "Sex, Gender and Social Change in Britain since 1880", points out, negotiation and informed consent is fundamental to real-life BDSM (bondage-discipline-sadism-masochism) relationships, but noticeably absent here.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like "bondage", maintain a respectful and objective tone, especially in formal or professional contexts. Consider the audience and avoid language that could be misconstrued or offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "bondage" loosely to describe any form of limitation. The term carries specific connotations related to slavery, captivity, or sexual practices. Use more general terms like "constraint" or "restriction" when the specific connotations of "bondage" are not intended.

Linguistic Context

The noun "bondage" primarily functions to denote a state of being enslaved, constrained, or tied up, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI indicates its usage across various contexts, including historical oppression, financial constraint, and sexual practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "bondage" is grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It encompasses various forms of constraint, from historical slavery to modern-day debt and consensual sexual practices. The contexts in which "bondage" appears range from news and media to formal business and scientific discussions, although the register and tone shift depending on the specific application. When using the term "bondage", it's crucial to be mindful of its connotations and choose language that is both accurate and respectful. Alternatives like "enslavement", "servitude", or "captivity" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual bondage

Explicitly denotes the use of restraints for sexual pleasure or control.

enslavement

Focuses specifically on the state of being legally owned and forced into service by another.

involuntary servitude

Emphasizes the lack of consent in a condition of forced labor or service.

servitude

Emphasizes the condition of being a servant, often with connotations of forced labor or obligation.

captivity

Highlights the state of being held against one's will, often in a physical sense.

thrall

Implies a state of complete subjection or enslavement to a person or influence.

debt bondage

Specifically refers to forced labor as a means of repaying a debt.

physical restraint

Focuses on the act of limiting someone's movement or freedom through physical means.

lack of freedom

A more general term indicating a state of being without liberty or autonomy.

state of constraint

Highlights the condition of being restricted or limited in some way.

FAQs

How is "bondage" used in the context of human rights?

In discussions of human rights, "bondage" often refers to forms of modern slavery, such as debt /s/debt+bondage, forced labor, and human trafficking. It signifies a severe deprivation of freedom and autonomy.

What are some synonyms for "bondage" in a non-sexual context?

In contexts unrelated to sexuality, synonyms for "bondage" include "enslavement", "servitude", "captivity", and "oppression". These terms emphasize the lack of freedom and control experienced by individuals in such situations.

Is the term "bondage" always related to sexual activity?

No, while "bondage" is often associated with sexual practices involving restraints, it also has broader meanings related to slavery, captivity, and any state of being held against one's will or lacking freedom.

How does "debt bondage" differ from other forms of slavery?

"Debt bondage" is a specific form of slavery where a person is forced to work to pay off a debt. This debt may be inherited, unfairly inflated, or impossible to repay, trapping the individual in a cycle of forced labor. Unlike traditional slavery, debt bondage is often disguised as a loan agreement.